Use of Antiangiogenic Therapies in Pediatric Solid Tumors

Simple Summary Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. One of the basic mechanisms for cancer development, both in children and in adults, is angiogenesis. This made it an important target for the development of antitumor drugs. Unfortunately, the clinical benefits of drugs that inhibit this process have been much less than initially expected. This review summarizes what are the main antiangiogenic drugs, against which signaling pathways they are targeted, and the results that have been obtained from their use in pediatric patients. It also includes the basic information of the clinical trials that are currently underway using antiangiogenics and that include children. Cancer is an important cause of death in childhood. In recent years, scientists have made an important effort to achieve greater precision and more personalized treatments against cancer. But since only a few pediatric patients have identifiable therapeutic targets, other ways to stop the neoplastic cell proliferation and dissemination are needed. Therefore, the inhibition of general processes involved in the growth and behavior of tumors can be a relevant strategy for the development of new cancer therapies. In the case of solid tumors, one of these processes is angiogenesis, essential for tumor growth and generation of metastases. This review summarizes the results obtained with the use of antiangiogenic drugs in the main pediatric malignant solid tumors and also an overview of clinical trials currently underway. It should be noted that due to the rarity and heterogeneity of the different types of pediatric cancer, most studies on antiangiogenic drugs include only a small number of patients or isolated clinical cases, so they are not conclusive and further studies are needed.

Automated summary

Cancer is a major cause of death in children, and targeting angiogenesis as a strategy for cancer treatment has shown mixed clinical benefits. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of pediatric cancers, studies on antiangiogenic drugs often involve a small number of patients and further research is necessary.