scholarly journals Anti-angiogenesis in cancer therapeutics: the magic bullet

Author(s):  
Ayodipupo S. Oguntade ◽  
Faez Al-Amodi ◽  
Abdullah Alrumayh ◽  
Muath Alobaida ◽  
Mwango Bwalya

Abstract Background Angiogenesis is the formation of new vascular networks from preexisting ones through the migration and proliferation of differentiated endothelial cells. Available evidence suggests that while antiangiogenic therapy could inhibit tumour growth, the response to these agents is not sustained. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer therapeutics and the mechanisms and management of tumour resistance to antiangiogenic agents. We also explored the latest advances and challenges in this field. Main body of the abstract MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for publications on antiangiogenic therapy in cancer therapeutics from 1990 to 2020. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the master effector of the angiogenic response in cancers. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting the VEGF and HIF-α pathways include monoclonal antibodies to VEGF (e.g. bevacizumab), small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) e.g. sorafenib, decoy receptor or VEGF trap e.g. aflibercept and VEGFR2 inhibitors (e.g. ramucirumab). These classes of drugs are vascular targeting which in many ways are advantageous over tumour cell targeting drugs. Their use leads to a reduction in the tumour blood supply and growth of the tumour blood vessels. Tumour resistance and cardiovascular toxicity are important challenges which limit the efficacy and long-term use of anti-angiogenic agents in cancer therapeutics. Tumour resistance can be overcome by dual anti-angiogenic therapy or combination with conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Emerging nanoparticle-based therapy which can silence the expression of HIF-α gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or miRNAs has been developed. Effective delivery platforms are required for such therapy. Short conclusion Clinical surveillance is important for the early detection of tumour resistance and treatment failure using reliable biomarkers. It is hoped that the recent interest in mesenchymal cell-based and exosome-based nanoparticle delivery platforms will improve the cellular delivery of newer anti-angiogenics in cancer therapeutics.

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Riechelmann ◽  
Axel Grothey

Even though significant improvements in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been made in recent years, survival rates for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are poor. Effective treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer remain limited, and new therapeutic strategies are desperately needed. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target angiogenesis, a critical process for facilitating tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, are either approved or in clinical development for the treatment of mCRC. Many of these agents have shown efficacy in mCRC, both as single agents and in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens. However, there is a need for predictive markers of response to identify those patients most likely to benefit from antiangiogenic therapy, and, to date, no markers of this type have been validated in patients. Additionally, because antiangiogenic agents typically cause cytostatic as opposed to cytotoxic antitumor effects, it is important to determine the best strategies for evaluating therapeutic response in mCRC to ensure maximum clinical benefit. In this review, we summarize the efficacy and tolerability of approved and investigational antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of mCRC. We also discuss potential markers of response to antiangiogenic agents and how these markers, along with appropriate endpoint selection, can improve clinical trial design.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Li ◽  
Jiahua Xu ◽  
Xiaoqiang Gu ◽  
Ling Chen ◽  
Qing Wu ◽  
...  

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. Common treatment methods include surgery, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), ablation, and targeted therapy. In recent years, combination treatment with antiangiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors has made great progress in the treatment of advanced HCC. Here, we report the case of a patient with HCC who achieved a durable benefit from anti-vascular therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with intratumoral cryoablation.Main BodyA 38-year-old male patient initially presented with severe abdominal pain that was identified as an HCC rupture and hemorrhage by computed tomography (CT). The patient underwent emergency surgery and postoperative pathology confirmed HCC. The patient received prophylactic TACE after surgery. Unfortunately, three months after surgery, the patient developed multiple liver metastases. Subsequently, he received systemic anti-vascular therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with intratumoral cryoablation. After treatment, the patient achieved extensive tumor necrosis and the disease was effectively controlled.ConclusionsAnti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with cryoablation can induce a powerful and effective systemic anti-tumor immune response, which is worthy of further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manisha Lalan ◽  
Pranav Shah ◽  
Kalyani Barve ◽  
Khushali Parekh ◽  
Tejal Mehta ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Skin cancers are among the widely prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. The increasing industrialization and accompanied environmental changes have further worsened the skin cancer statistics. The stern topical barrier although difficult to breach is a little compromised in pathologies like skin cancer. The therapeutic management of skin cancers has moved beyond chemotherapy and surgery. Main body of the abstract The quest for a magic bullet still prevails, but topical drug delivery has emerged as a perfect modality for localized self-application with minimal systemic ingress for the management of skin cancers. Advances in topical drug delivery as evidenced by the exploration of nanocarriers and newer technologies like microneedle-assisted/mediated therapeutics have revolutionized the paradigms of topical treatment. The engineered nanovectors have not only been given the liberty to experiment with a wide-array of drug carriers with very distinguishing characteristics but also endowed them with target specificity. The biologicals like nucleic acid-based approaches or skin penetrating peptide vectors are another promising area of skin cancer therapeutics which has demonstrated potential in research studies. In this review, a panoramic view is presented on the etiology, therapeutic options, and emerging drug delivery modalities for skin cancer. Short conclusion Nanocarriers have presented innumerable opportunities for interventions in skin cancer therapeutics. Challenge persists for the bench to bedside translation of these highly potential upcoming therapeutic strategies. Graphic abstract


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deanna Teoh ◽  
Angeles Alvarez Secord

ObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to provide an overview of angiogenesis, including the rationale for targeting angiogenesis as a treatment strategy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to discuss available clinical trial data with antiangiogenic agents in EOC, with a focus on combinations with chemotherapy.MethodsThis was a literature review of clinical studies evaluating select antiangiogenic agents in combination with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy for the treatment of EOC.ResultsSeveral therapies that target angiogenesis-specific pathways are undergoing clinical development for EOC. Although some of these agents have demonstrated single-agent activity for EOC, there is considerable interest in combining this treatment strategy with chemotherapy in an effort to potentially improve treatment benefits in this patient population. Bevacizumab, an anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, is the most studied antiangiogenic agent in EOC and has shown efficacy as monotherapy and combined with chemotherapy in both the relapsed/recurrent and first-line settings. However, results from recent phase 3 trials raise questions regarding patient selection and optimal dose, schedule, and duration of bevacizumab therapy. Other agents in various phases of testing include aflibercept (VEGF Trap), a fusion protein that binds all isoforms of VEGF; multitargeted antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, BIBF 1120, cediranib, pazopanib, sorafenib); and AMG 386, a selective angiopoietin inhibitor. Toxicities associated with VEGF inhibition are also a concern with antiangiogenic therapy, including hypertension, proteinuria, thromboses, and gastrointestinal perforation.ConclusionsResults from recently completed and ongoing clinical trials combining antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapy are awaited in hopes of expanding therapeutic options for patients with EOC.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Creedon ◽  
Valerie G . Brunton

Author(s):  
L. Lorusso ◽  
L. Pieruzzi ◽  
M. Gabriele ◽  
M. Nisi ◽  
D. Viola ◽  
...  

AbstractOsteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a rare but very serious disease that can affect both jaws. It is defined as exposed bone in the maxillofacial region that does not heal within 8 weeks after a health care provider identification. ONJ can occur spontaneously or can be due to drugs like bisphosphonates (BPS) and anti-RANK agents, in patients with no history of external radiation therapy in the craniofacial region. Although in phase 3 trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in thyroid cancer (TC) the ONJ was not reported among the most common side effects, several papers reported the association between ONJ and TKIs, both when they are used alone and in combination with a bisphosphonate. The appearance of an ONJ in a patient with metastatic radio-iodine refractory differentiated TC, treated with zoledronic acid and sorafenib, has put us in front of an important clinical challenge: when a ONJ occurred during TKIs treatment, it really worsens the patients’ quality of life. We should consider that in the case of ONJ a TKI discontinuation becomes necessary, and this could lead to a progression of neoplastic disease. The most important aim of this review is to aware the endocrinologists/oncologists dealing with TC to pay attention to this possible side effect of BPS and TKIs, especially when they are used in association. To significantly reduced the risk of ONJ, both preventive measures before initiating not only antiresorptive therapy but also antiangiogenic agents, and regular dental examinations during the treatment should always be proposed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 493
Author(s):  
Christos Vallilas ◽  
Panagiotis Sarantis ◽  
Anastasios Kyriazoglou ◽  
Evangelos Koustas ◽  
Stamatios Theocharis ◽  
...  

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common types of malignant mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, with an estimated incidence of 1.5/100.000 per year and 1–2% of gastrointestinal neoplasms. About 75–80% of patients have mutations in the KIT gene in exons 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 5–10% of patients have mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor a (PDGFRA) gene in exons 12, 14, 18. Moreover, 10–15% of patients have no mutations and are classified as wild type GIST. The treatment for metastatic or unresectable GISTs includes imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib. So far, GIST therapies have raised great expectations and offered patients a better quality of life, but increased pharmacological resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors is often observed. New treatment options have emerged, with ripretinib, avapritinib, and cabozantinib getting approvals for these tumors. Nowadays, immune checkpoint inhibitors form a new landscape in cancer therapeutics and have already shown remarkable responses in various tumors. Studies in melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma are very encouraging as these inhibitors have increased survival rates. The purpose of this review is to present alternative approaches for the treatment of the GIST patients, such as combinations of immunotherapy and novel inhibitors with traditional therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 576
Author(s):  
Sofia Giacosa ◽  
Catherine Pillet ◽  
Irinka Séraudie ◽  
Laurent Guyon ◽  
Yann Wallez ◽  
...  

Kinase-targeted agents demonstrate antitumor activity in advanced metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which remains largely incurable. Integration of genomic approaches through small-molecules and genetically based high-throughput screening holds the promise of improved discovery of candidate targets for cancer therapy. The 786-O cell line represents a model for most ccRCC that have a loss of functional pVHL (von Hippel-Lindau). A multiplexed assay was used to study the cellular fitness of a panel of engineered ccRCC isogenic 786-O VHL− cell lines in response to a collection of targeted cancer therapeutics including kinase inhibitors, allowing the interrogation of over 2880 drug–gene pairs. Among diverse patterns of drug sensitivities, investigation of the mechanistic effect of one selected drug combination on tumor spheroids and ex vivo renal tumor slice cultures showed that VHL-defective ccRCC cells were more vulnerable to the combined inhibition of the CK2 and ATM kinases than wild-type VHL cells. Importantly, we found that HIF-2α acts as a key mediator that potentiates the response to combined CK2/ATM inhibition by triggering ROS-dependent apoptosis. Importantly, our findings reveal a selective killing of VHL-deficient renal carcinoma cells and provide a rationale for a mechanism-based use of combined CK2/ATM inhibitors for improved patient care in metastatic VHL-ccRCC.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saumil Datar ◽  
Maria Cabanillas ◽  
Ramona Dadu ◽  
David Ost ◽  
Horiana Grosu

Abstract Background: Thyroid malignancies are among the most common endocrine cancers worldwide. Owing to the angiogenic nature of these malignancies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are an attractive potential treatment. However, TKIs have been associated with an increased risk of tumor cavitation, in turn linked to poor outcomes, in patients with malignancies in the lungs, where thyroid cancer commonly metastasizes. Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with thyroid cancer and evidence of metastatic disease to the lung that were treated with multi-targeted antiangiogenic TKIs. The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of pulmonary cavitation. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of pulmonary cavitation on survival. Results: Of the 83 patients with pulmonary nodules,10 developed cavitation during treatment. Of these 83 patients, two patients had to stop the treatment due to pneumothorax. Additionally, cavitation did not demonstrate any significant effect on survival. Conclusion: In patients with thyroid cancer and evidence of metastatic disease to the chest, the use of multi-targeted TKIs led to cavitations that were not uncommon but clinical consequences were marginal. Treatment was stopped only in two patients that developed pneumothorax, however the small sample is a strong limitation of our study.


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