title: Vascular normalization: a real benefit?
abstract: It is well established that antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in combination with chemotherapeutic agents produce synergistic cytotoxicity in a range of cancer. In this review article, it has been analyzed whether the so-called vascular normalization of abnormal tumor blood vessels as an effect of VEGF inhibition in association with chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of tumors produces a real benefit. Literature data show that the process of normalization of the structure of tumor blood vessels is not always accompanied with a real benefit. In fact as in the case of cerebral tumors, the process of normalization may induce a re-establishment of the low permeability characteristics of normal brain microvasculature, preventing the delivery of chemotherapeutics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy. ribatti@anatomia.uniba.it
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ribatti
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042682:Angiopoietins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000187:drug effects; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D020286:Pericytes / Q000187:drug effects; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042682:Angiopoietins; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors