Inhibitors of angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis and neovascularization are important mechanisms for tumor growth, progression and, subsequent metastasis. Cancer cells, as part of an inflammatory process, produce and induce multiple molecules (proangiogenic and antiangiogenic) from the surrounding stromal cells. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is the most relevant proangiogenic molecule among them. Many inhibitors of angiogenesis have been developed in the last years with the aim to block the tumor blood supply as a new anticancer strategy. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF, has been already approved for its use in colorectal cancer showing prolonged disease free survival as well as overall survival. It shows also important activity in breast, lung, ovarian and kidney cancer. Many others inhibitors are in advanced clinical development and show promising results as well. Current basic and clinical research in this field is generating great expectations for the future of cancer treatment.