Introduction: Angiogenesis represents a complex process crucial during embryo development, wound healing, and collateral formation for improved organ perfusion. Numerous stimulatory and inhibitory pathways through their balance regulate angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis. Targeting the pathways implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis and neo-angiogenesis plays an important role in cancer research, treatment, and patients' outcome. Antiangiogenic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies binding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or the corresponding receptor and small molecules which inhibit the function of different angio-related tyrosine kinase, produced interesting results in cancer treatments including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Areas covered: The current state-of-the-art of anti-angiogenesis treatment in the management of NSCLC patients is reviewed and discussed. A structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature and of main meetings using a focused review question was undertaken in order to discuss about emerging angiogenesis inhibitors in NSCLC. Expert opinion: Targeting angiogenesis remains an important therapeutic strategy in the management of NSCLC. Moreover, VEGF has been recognized having also an immunosuppressive action leading to investigate the potential activity of angiogenic inhibitors in restoring the antitumor immunity by targeting VEGF/VEGF-Receptor. Furthermore, new anti-angiogenic drugs for which there is also the availability of predictive biomarkers are welcome.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; NSCLC; monoclonal antibodies; small molecules; tyrosine kinase inhibitors.