title: Angiogenesis in cutaneous malignant melanoma and potential therapeutic strategies.
abstract: Metastatic melanoma (MM) carries a dismal prognosis, as it is largely resistant to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, biochemotherapy and immunotherapy. There is, therefore, a pressing need to identify new, effective treatments to improve outcomes from MM. Innovative approaches in oncology drug development include anti-angiogenic strategies, in the form of monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule kinase inhibitors. In this review we aim to present current concepts and controversies surrounding the role of angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapies in MM, alluding to other tumor types in which increasing knowledge may supply avenues for future directions in melanoma research and management. An overview of angiogenesis and its importance in melanoma progression is presented, highlighting the key molecules that represent potential therapeutic targets. The results of using anti-angiogenic strategies in preclinical and clinical trials are discussed and future perspectives for anti-angiogenic therapies in MM are considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Oncology Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. bristi.basu@cancer.org.uk
authors.forename: Bristi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.forename: Swethajit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biswas
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wrigley
authors.forename: Bhawna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sirohi
authors.forename: Pippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Corrie
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors