In vitro and in vivo biological activity of PEDF against a range of tumors

Background: Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an emerging anticancer agent that targets both tumor tissue and its supporting vasculature. These direct and indirect effects of PEDF have been examined in vitro and in vivo for a range of malignancies. Objective: This review seeks to present PEDF as a potential anti-cancer agent with applications across multiple malignancies. We refer closely to experimental methodology whilst still highlighting the clinical significance of PEDF in cancer, drawing on biological findings in vitro and in vivo. Methods: A Pubmed database search was performed limiting the scope of this discussion paper mainly to PEDF's biological role in cancer, specifically lung, breast, prostatic, ovarian and pancreatic carcinomas, melanoma, glioma and osteosarcoma. Conclusions: The biological roles of PEDF are diverse and multidimensional. As an anti-cancer agent, PEDF has great potential as a focused anti-neoplastic therapy against a variety of tumor types.