Tumoral angiogenesis: review of the literature.
Tumoral angiogenesis is necessary for the growth of neoplasms and the production of metastasis. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a homodimeric heparin-binding glycoprotein that binds to VEGF-receptors and can induce endothelial cell mitosis, invasion, and eventually capillary tube formation. Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, inhibits tumoral angiogenesis and may also improve the delivery of chemotherapy to the tumor mass. Some new antiangiogenic agents, called multi-kinase inhibitors (sorafenib and sunitinib), have also activity against other receptors, such as epidermal growth factor-receptor or platelet-derived growth factor-receptor. A new schedule of treatment (metronomic chemotherapy) also has antiangiogenic activity.
Khosravi Shahi
Parham
P
Servicio de Oncología, Médica, Hospital General Universitario, Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. drkhosravi@hotmail.com
Fernández Pineda
Israel
I
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000187:drug effects
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor