Tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy

Chin Med J (Engl). 2024 Sep 5;137(17):2043-2051. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003231. Epub 2024 Jul 25.

Abstract

Anti-angiogenic drugs (AADs), which mainly target the vascular endothelial growth factor-A signaling pathway, have become a therapeutic option for cancer patients for two decades. During this period, tremendous clinical experience of anti-angiogenic therapy has been acquired, new AADs have been developed, and the clinical indications for AAD treatment of various cancers have been expanded using monotherapy and combination therapy. However, improvements in the therapeutic outcomes of clinically available AADs and the development of more effective next-generation AADs are still urgently required. This review aims to provide historical and perspective views on tumor angiogenesis to allow readers to gain mechanistic insights and learn new therapeutic development. We revisit the history of concept initiation and AAD discovery, and summarize the up-to-date clinical translation of anti-angiogenic cancer therapy in this field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / blood supply
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / drug therapy
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab