Angiogenesis inhibition in breast cancer

Abstract

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumor development, invasion, and metastasis. In preclinical models, agents that block the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have been shown to effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and growth. Although antiangiogenic therapies, including anti-VEGF antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have become important components of the standard of care for the treatment of many solid tumors, the results of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents in breast cancer are contradictory. In this chapter, the importance of angiogenesis inhibition in breast cancer is discussed in light of recent clinical data. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016.