VEGF-targeted therapy: mechanisms of anti-tumour activity.
Several vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents, administered either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, have been shown to benefit patients with advanced-stage malignancies. VEGF-targeted therapies were initially developed with the notion that they would inhibit new blood vessel growth and thus starve tumours of necessary oxygen and nutrients. It has become increasingly apparent, however, that the therapeutic benefit associated with VEGF-targeted therapy is complex, and probably involves multiple mechanisms. A better understanding of these mechanisms will lead to future advances in the use of these agents in the clinic.
Ellis
Lee M
LM
Department of Surgical Oncology, Unit 444, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 301402, Houston, Texas 77230-1402, USA. lellis@mdanderson.org
Hicklin
Daniel J
DJ
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor