Abstract
It is well established that antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in combination with chemotherapeutic agents produce synergistic cytotoxicity in a range of cancer. In this review article, it has been analyzed whether the so-called vascular normalization of abnormal tumor blood vessels as an effect of VEGF inhibition in association with chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of tumors produces a real benefit. Literature data show that the process of normalization of the structure of tumor blood vessels is not always accompanied with a real benefit. In fact as in the case of cerebral tumors, the process of normalization may induce a re-establishment of the low permeability characteristics of normal brain microvasculature, preventing the delivery of chemotherapeutics.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 275-278 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2011 |
Keywords
- Angiogenesis
- Antiangiogenesis
- Chemotherapy
- Vascular normalization
- VEGF
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Toxicology