Role of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

This article reviews the history and current status of vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy for the most common gynecologic malignancies - epithelial ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers. The biologic rationale for targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for these disease sites is well-founded, and pre-clinical studies have supported the development of anti-VEGF agents. Their classification, known mechanisms of action, unique toxicities and clinical development are herein explored, the latter including issues related to study design, disease site and disease setting.