Use of angiogenesis inhibitors in tumour treatment

Advances in molecular biology have permitted the characterisation of mechanisms underlying angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a crucial process in tumour pathogenesis as it sustains malignant cells with nutrients and oxygen. It is well known that tumour cells secrete various growth factors including VEGF, which triggers endothelial cells to form new capillaries. Preventing the expansion of new blood vessel networks results in reduced tumour size and metastases. Not surprisingly, numerous drugs that are currently under clinical development interfere with growth factor-derived angiogenic signals. This review aims to describe angiogenesis inhibitors and surveys their different modes of action. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.