Antiangiogenesis, anti-VEGF(R) and outlook.

Tumor angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis has moved from an exotic research topic into clinical practice defining a new and promising avenue of targeted cancer therapy. Starting with a historical perspective on tumor angiogenesis, this review provides the basic concepts and classification of angiogenesis inhibition. Focusing primarily on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the biological activity and regulation of the gene expression of VEGF, its isoforms, and the receptors are summarized. Furthermore, naturally occurring modulators are listed, an overview on angiogenesis inhibitors in clinical trails is provided, and finally a brief outlook is given on this fascinating and rapidly evolving field of oncology.