The present and future of angiogenesis-directed treatments of colorectal cancer

The level of angiogenic activity in colorectal tumors has been shown to be a determinant of survival. Recent trials established that, in both the first- and second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) directed antibody bevacizumab to chemotherapy significantly prolongs survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Those trials provided proof of principle that inhibition of angiogenesis has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of treatment of this disease. Oral agents directed toward VEGF receptor signaling are in advanced development, but none to date has proven beneficial in phase III trials in advanced colorectal cancer. Additional trials are needed to determine if improved pharmacological characteristics of the small molecules can be modified to replicate the activity of the antibody or if mechanistic differences require a more specific approach. Since bevacizumab has minimal activity as a single agent, a key question for future therapeutic development relates to the interaction between antiangiogenic strategies and cytotoxic therapies. We hypothesize that bevacizumab may potentiate the efficacy of cytotoxics not solely by alterations of tumor interstitial pressure but also by promoting sensitivity to proapoptotic signals consequent upon nutrient and oxygen withdrawal.