Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in breast cancer.

Abstract

Neo-angiogenesis is a critical process for tumor growth and invasion and has become a promising target in cancer therapy. This manuscript reviews three currently relevant anti-angiogenic agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor system: bevacizumab, ramucirumab and sorafenib. The efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs in adjuvant therapy or as neo-adjuvant treatment has been estimated in clinical trials of advanced breast cancer. To date, the overall observed clinical improvements are unconvincing, and further research is required to demonstrate the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs in breast cancer treatments. The outcomes of anti-angiogenic therapy have been highly variable in terms of tumor response. New methods are needed to identify patients who will benefit from this regimen. The development of biomarkers and molecular profiling are relevant research areas that may strengthen the ability to focus anti-angiogenic therapy towards suitable patients, thereby increase the cost-effectiveness, currently estimated to be inadequate.

• Authors: Tina Bøgelund Kristensen, Malin L T Knutsson, Markus Wehland, Britt Elmedal Laursen, Daniela Grimm, Elisabeth Warnke, Nils E Magnusson
• Journal: International journal of molecular sciences (Int J Mol Sci) Vol. 15 Issue 12 Pg. 23024-41 (Dec 11 2014) ISSN: 1422-0067 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 25514409 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Biomarkers
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Biomarkers
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, metabolism, mortality, pathology)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Female
• Humans
• Molecular Targeted Therapy
• Neoplasm Staging
• Neovascularization, Pathologic (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)