[New strategies for NSCLC: is inhibition of tumour vasculature useful]

Pneumologie. 2010 Jun;64(6):376-86. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1243974. Epub 2010 Mar 12.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Germany. Improvements in our understanding of cancer biology have led to the development of novel agents that inhibit the tumour vasculature in order to induce subsequent tumour cell death. In this context, the inhibition of tumour-related angiogenesis - the growth of new vessels from pre-existing vessels - has become an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has already been approved in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without predominant squamous cell histology. Moreover, small molecule inhibitors targeting multiple angiogenic receptors have also shown promise when combined with standard chemotherapy. As a different approach, vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have been designed to particularly target preexisting blood vessels which may lead to a vascular shut-down. In the present review, both principles of action and current clinical data on anti-angiogenic agents and VDAs in the treatment of patients with NSCLC are reviewed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / blood supply*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Stilbenes / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Stilbenes
  • fosbretabulin