Combining radiotherapy and angiogenesis inhibitors: clinical trial design.
Radiotherapy (RT) plays a vital role in the multimodality treatment of cancer. Recent advances in RT have primarily involved improvements in dose delivery. Future improvements in tumor control and disease outcomes will likely involve the combination of RT with targeted therapies. Preclinical evaluations of angiogenesis inhibitors in combination with RT have yielded promising results with increased tumor "cure." It remains to be seen whether these improvements in tumor control in the laboratory will translate into improved outcomes in the clinic. Multiple differences between these agents and cytotoxic chemotherapy must be taken into account when designing clinical trials evaluating their effectiveness in combination with RT. We discuss important considerations for designing clinical trials of angiogenesis inhibitors with RT.
Citrin
Deborah
D
Radiation Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. citrind@mail.nih.gov
Ménard
Cynthia
C
Camphausen
Kevin
K
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors