Antiangiogenic treatment of colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms in humans. Recently, introduction of antiangiogenic therapy resulted in improved treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. In the article basic biological of mechanisms that influence colorectal cancer progression are presented and the results of the most important clinical trials on the efficacy of monoclonal antibody directed to the most important proangiogenic factor - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are summarized. Other options of new vessel formation inhibition, a rationale for efficacy of various forms of combined targeted therapies as well as combination of antiangiogenic treatment with cytotoxic therapy are also discussed.