Targeting angiogenesis in ovarian cancer

Abstract

Results of standard chemotherapy in ovarian cancer are hampered by the development of drug resistance leading to disease recurrence. This prompted interest in the development of therapies targeting critical pathways responsible for tumor progression. Angiogenesis is a key process that enables ovarian cancer growth and metastasis in the peritoneal space. Its regulation relies on signaling mechanisms initiated by the vascular endothelial growth factor, the platelet-derived growth factor, the fibroblast growth factor, angiopoietins, and others. These pathways are not only important to the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and vasculature, but also control cancer cell proliferation and survival. In this review, we discuss preclinical evidence supporting the rationale for inhibiting these pathways and provide an overview for the clinical development of agents targeting them. Clinical trials evaluating such agents alone and in combination with chemotherapy are ongoing. Early clinical results position antiangiogenic therapy at the forefront of change to the standard treatment of difficult to treat ovarian cancer.