Targeting Angiogenic Factors Contributing to Etiology and Progression of Human Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
The development of human ovarian cancer depends, in part,,on formation of an adequate blood supply. Tumor angiogenesis is essential for cancer growth, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is critical in stimulating growth of vascular endothelial cells. VEGF is produced by ovarian cancers, and VEGF secretion is markedly higher in ovarian cancers with HER-2 oncogene overexpression. Herceptin, an antibody to HER-2 receptors, has direct antitumor effects, but the antibody also elicits profound reduction in VEGF secretion from ovarian cancer cells, and, thereby, halts tumor-associated angiogenesis. More complete suppression of angiogenesis may be elicited by treatments that synergistically suppress blood vessel proliferation, such as squalamine, an angiostatic steroid designated by the FDA as an orphan drug candidate for therapy of ovarian cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421071
Entities
People
- Richard J. Pietras
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles