Vol 4, No 1 (2008)
Review paper
Published online: 2008-02-28

open access

Page views 557
Article views/downloads 7733
Get Citation

Connect on Social Media

Connect on Social Media

The role of antiangiogenic agents in multidrug cancer therapy

Stanisław Szala
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.

Article available in PDF format

View PDF (Polish) Download PDF file