Targeting VEGF in lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION

VEGF promotes tumor angiogenesis and is an important target in various malignancies, including NSCLC.

AREAS COVERED

Here, the authors review the data that led to the approval of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGF, in the treatment of lung cancer. The authors also review the key results from a number of Phase II and Phase III trials involving other anti-angiogenic agents being studied in NSCLC, including small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors against the VEGF-receptor and vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs).

EXPERT OPINION

Results from ongoing studies and the identification of reliable biomarkers remain critical goals in understanding the exact role of these anti-angiogenic agents in the treatment paradigm of NSCLC.