Improving delivery of antineoplastic agents with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
It is believed that impairments in delivery of antineoplastic agents to solid tumors result from abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the prototypical angiogenic molecule, is one of the main factors responsible for the development and maintenance of the aberrant tumor vascular network, which is characterized by chaotic, leaky blood vessels with high interstitial fluid pressure and inefficient blood flow. The authors proposed that anti-VEGF therapy would reduce the elevated interstitial fluid pressure in tumors, thereby improving blood flow and potentially improving delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumor cells. For the current report, the authors reviewed characteristics of the abnormal tumor vasculature created under the influence of VEGF, the resulting tumor microenvironment, how the tumor microenvironment may impede delivery of antineoplastic agents, and how the combination of anti-VEGF and cytotoxic therapy may maximize the efficacy of antineoplastic treatment regimens.
Yang
Anthony D
AD
Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Bauer
Todd W
TW
Camp
E Ramsay
ER
Somcio
Ray
R
Liu
Wenbiao
W
Fan
Fan
F
Ellis
Lee M
LM
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors