Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis with antagonists to the receptors of vascular endothelial growth factor

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for both tumor growth and metastasis. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the angiogenesis process and its regulation have led to the discovery of a variety of pharmaceutical agents with anti-angiogenic activity. The potential application of these angiogenesis inhibitors is currently under intense clinical and pre-clinical investigation. Compelling evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors play critical roles in tumor-associated angiogenesis, and that they represent good targets for therapeutic intervention. This has been demonstrated in a variety of animal tumor models in which disabling the function of VEGF and its receptors was shown to inhibit both tumor growth and metastasis. We have produced a panel of antibodies directed against the VEGF receptor 2, KDR/Flk-1. These antibodies potently block VEGF/KDR/Flk-1 interaction, and inhibit VEGF-stimulated activation of the receptor and proliferation of human endothelial cells. Further, the antibodies significantly inhibited tumor-associated angiogenesis in several animal models. Antagonists of VEGF and/or its receptors may offer higher specificity towards tumors with reduced side effects, and may be less likely to elicit drug resistance compared to conventional therapy. Anti-angiogenesis therapy represents a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer and other human disorders where pathological angiogenesis is involved.