Angiogenesis: A Pivotal Therapeutic Target in the Drug Development of Gynecologic Cancers

Abstract

Since the discovery of angiogenesis and its relevance to the tumorigenesis of gynecologic malignancies, a number of therapeutic agents have been developed over the last decade, some of which have become standard treatments in combination with other therapies. Limited clinical activity has been demonstrated with anti-angiogenic monotherapies, and ongoing trials are focused on combination strategies with cytotoxic agents, immunotherapies and other targeted treatments. This article reviews the science behind angiogenesis within the context of gynecologic cancers, the evidence supporting the targeting of these pathways and future directions in clinical trials.