VEGF targeting

The process of angiogenesis, the development of a neovascular blood supply, is critical for tumor growth and metastasis formation. Numerous proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules orchestrate the process of vessel formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a central player in these pathways, and thus serves as a primary target for neoplastic therapy and, in fact, any disease where angiogenesis is involved in the pathophysiology of that disease (see below) (1-3). This chapter focuses on VEGF biology, the role of targeting the VEGF ligand as a component of anticancer therapy, and potential mechanisms of action of anti-VEGF therapy.