Vol 4, No 1 (2008)
Review paper
Published online: 2008-02-28
The role of antiangiogenic agents in multidrug cancer therapy
DOI: 10.5603/ocp.v4i1.9311
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2008;4(1):1-7.
Abstract
Several data indicate that a solid neoplastic tumor cannot grow beyond certain dimensions without developing
its own network of blood and lymphatic vessels. Thus, inhibition of vascularization causes death of
cancer cells. Such observations have led to novel cancer therapeutic approach called antiangiogenic
strategy. This strategy relies mainly on using vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, as well
as inhibitors blocking activity of its receptors (VEGFR-1, 2, 3), i.e. the primary factors and receptors taking
part in angio-and lymphangiogenesis. Preclininical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that
antiangiogenic therapeutic approach might become an essential component of multidrug cancer therapy
capable of targeting both neoplastic cells and endothelial cells of cancerous blood vessels. The paper
discusses advantages of multidrug therapy approach, as well as its inherent drawbacks.
Keywords: antiangiogenic drugsmultidrug therapy