Controlling escape from angiogenesis inhibitors

Nat Rev Cancer. 2012 Oct;12(10):699-709. doi: 10.1038/nrc3366.

Abstract

Selective inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases the efficacy of chemotherapy and has beneficial effects on multiple advanced cancers, but response is often limited and the disease eventually progresses. Changes in the tumour microenvironment--hypoxia among them--that result from vascular pruning, suppressed angiogenesis and other consequences of VEGF inhibition can promote escape and tumour progression. New therapeutic approaches that target pathways that are involved in the escape mechanisms add the benefits of blocking tumour progression to those of slowing tumour growth by inhibiting angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Cell Hypoxia
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Tumor Escape
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A