VEGF ligands

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a family of key regulator of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in physiology and pathology. The main clinical target and mediator of tumor angiogenesis is VEGF-A. Targeting VEGF in cancer has been a step forward in the realization of a new anticancer strategy aiming at cutting off resources to tumors instead of direct attack on tumor cells. In the present chapter we summarized the biology of VEGF as target, focusing on mechanisms leading to cancer related neoangiogenesis. We also described the most effectively developed anti-VEGF strategies for cancer treatment and possible diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers. Despite many improvements for cancer treatment have been achieved thanks to the adoption of VEGF as target, no predictive or prognostic VEGF-related biomarkers have been identified so far. Up to date no clues are available in order to identify patients for whom VEGF levels normalization might be beneficial. Mechanisms of resistance to treatment, both primary or after treatment are still under investigation.