title: The evolving role of VEGF-targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
abstract: Therapies that target angiogenesis and the VEGF pathway are a component of treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGFA. Chemotherapy plus bevacizumab has led to improved outcomes for mCRC patients. Despite these benefits, progressive disease invariably ensues. Multiple members of the VEGF family can potentially contribute to tumor angiogenesis and/or evasion of antiangiogenic therapy if one pathway should be inhibited. Aflibercept, a new biological agent, is a multiple angiogenic factor trap that prevents not only VEGFA, but also VEGFB and PlGF from activating their native receptors. Key clinical data for bevacizumab and aflibercept for treatment of mCRC, clinical evidence for use of these agents beyond progression, and the search for angiogenic biomarkers to better define patients most likely to benefit from these interventions will be reviewed.
authors: Medical Oncology, City of Hope, 1500 Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. mfakih@coh.org
authors: Marwan
authors: M
authors: Fakih
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A