Fresh data on angiogenesis are presented in the report “Possible molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity of angiogenesis inhibition. Contrary to initial expectations, angiogenesis inhibitors can cause toxicities in patients with cancer. The toxicity profiles of these inhibitors reflect the disturbance of growth factor signalling pathways that are important for maintaining homeostasis,” scientists in Utrecht, Netherlands report.
“Experiences with angiogenesis inhibitors in clinical trials indicate that short-term toxicities are mostly manageable. However, these agents will also be given in prolonged treatment strategies, so we need to anticipate possible long-term toxicities,” wrote H.M. Verheul and colleagues, University Medical Center.

The researchers concluded: “In addition, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity of angiogenesis inhibition should allow more specific and more potent inhibitors to be developed.”

Verheul and colleagues published their study in Nature Reviews Cancer (Possible molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity of angiogenesis inhibition. Nature Reviews Cancer, 2007;7(6):475-85).

For additional information, contact H.M. Verheul, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, Netherlands.

The publisher’s contact information for the journal Nature Reviews Cancer is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.