Angiogenesis in cutaneous malignant melanoma and potential therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Metastatic melanoma (MM) carries a dismal prognosis, as it is largely resistant to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, biochemotherapy and immunotherapy. There is, therefore, a pressing need to identify new, effective treatments to improve outcomes from MM. Innovative approaches in oncology drug development include anti-angiogenic strategies, in the form of monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule kinase inhibitors. In this review we aim to present current concepts and controversies surrounding the role of angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapies in MM, alluding to other tumor types in which increasing knowledge may supply avenues for future directions in melanoma research and management. An overview of angiogenesis and its importance in melanoma progression is presented, highlighting the key molecules that represent potential therapeutic targets. The results of using anti-angiogenic strategies in preclinical and clinical trials are discussed and future perspectives for anti-angiogenic therapies in MM are considered.

Keywords::

• angiogenesis
• melanoma
• molecularly targeted therapy
• monoclonal antibodies
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• VEGF

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Swethajit Biswas is employed by the Higher Education Funding Council. Pippa Corrie is the CI of the UK AVAST-M trial, has received research grants from and undertaken consultancy work for Hoffman La Roche. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.