Current antiangiogenic agents in oncology and ophthalmology

Abstract

Antiangiogenic drugs are approved for many cancer types for longer than a decade. Furthermore, several antiangiogenic agents are approved for local application in ophthalmology for treatment of macular degeneration, venous retinal occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. Knowing that antiangiogenic agents are active in ocular system, we reviewed the current literature, whether antiangiogenic drugs may cause ocular side effects in cancer patients by systemic application. Furthermore, we searched in published papers, if systemic application of antiangiogenic agents in cancer patients may simultaneously treat their ocular disorders, if they have such. Finally, we emphasized cooperation between an oncologist and ophthalmologist when treating patients with antiangiogenic drugs.