Antagonists of integrin αv in brain cancer

Abstract

Angiogenesis is required for full growth and development of primary neoplasms and enhances the establishment and growth of secondary metastases. The observation that angiogenesis is dependent on the interaction of endothelial cell surface integrin adhesion molecules with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) environment has encouraged many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop α_v integrin antagonists. This article reviews a recent patent application which claims methods for inhibiting tumour growth in the brain using antagonists of α_v integrins including α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₅.

• αvβ3
• αvβ5
• apoptosis
• brain cancer
• integrins
• vitronectin