Recent molecular discoveries in angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapies in cancer

J Clin Invest. 2013 Aug;123(8):3190-200. doi: 10.1172/JCI70212. Epub 2013 Aug 1.

Abstract

Four decades ago, angiogenesis was recognized as a therapeutic target for blocking cancer growth. Because of its importance, VEGF has been at the center stage of antiangiogenic therapy. Now, several years after FDA approval of an anti-VEGF antibody as the first antiangiogenic agent, many patients with cancer and ocular neovascularization have benefited from VEGF-targeted therapy; however, this anticancer strategy is challenged by insufficient efficacy, intrinsic refractoriness, and resistance. Here, we examine recent discoveries of new mechanisms underlying angiogenesis, discuss successes and challenges of current antiangiogenic therapy, and highlight emerging antiangiogenic paradigms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Angiogenic Proteins / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chemotaxis
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / physiology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • FLT4 protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3