Angiogenesis as a target in neuroblastoma

Eur J Cancer. 2008 Aug;44(12):1645-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2008.05.015. Epub 2008 Jul 7.

Abstract

Several research investigations on neuroblastoma (NB) have shown the important dependency of this embryonic tumour on angiogenesis, especially in the advanced and aggressive stages. However, the first pre-clinical data on anti-angiogenic drugs in NB have not been published until recently and clinical trials with anti-angiogenic agents in NB treatment protocols are still missing. Here, we summarise current knowledge on the important role and mechanisms of angiogenesis in NB, and report available pre-clinical results of anti-angiogenic agents used to treat NB. This review clearly shows that angiogenesis is a target in NB and that clinical trials are urgently needed to bring forward promising anti-angiogenesis treatment strategies into NB therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / metabolism
  • Microcirculation
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / etiology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neuroblastoma / blood supply
  • Neuroblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Neuroblastoma / genetics
  • Oncogenes / genetics
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors