Role of Angiogenesis and Its Biomarkers in Development of Targeted Tumor Therapies

Abstract

Angiogenesis plays a significant role in the human body, from wound healing to tumor progression. “Angiogenic switch” indicates a time-restricted event where the imbalance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors results in the transition from prevascular hyperplasia to outgrowing vascularized tumor, which eventually leads to the malignant cancer progression. In the last decade, molecular players, i.e., angiogenic biomarkers and underlying molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, have been intensely investigated. Disrupting the initiation and halting the progression of angiogenesis by targeting these biomarkers and molecular pathways has been considered as a potential treatment approach for tumor angiogenesis. This review discusses the currently known biomarkers and available antiangiogenic therapies in cancer, i.e., monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, small molecular inhibitors, miRNAs, siRNAs, angiostatin, endostatin, and melatonin analogues, either approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or currently under clinical and preclinical investigations.

Extracellular Vesicles in Breast Cancer: From Intercellular Communication to Therapeutic Opportunities

“…bFGF/FGF-2 and MMPs also contribute to angiogenesis and tumour progression by modulating extracellular matrix remodelling and destabilizing existing blood vessel walls. Targeting these pro-angiogenic factors and their receptors has been explored as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer and other angiogenic diseases [84]. Research delves into the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in contributing to various aspects of breast carcinogenesis, including angiogenesis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, epitheli-alto-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance.…”