Angiogenesis is an integral aspect of the growth and proliferation of solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and has potential implications in prognosis and treatment of both localized and recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. Therefore, there has been a significant interest in utilizing anti-angiogenic agents either alone or in combination with currently approved and emerging therapies. A phase III randomized trial (E1305) of chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic HNSCC showed an increased response rate and longer progression-free survival but fell short in demonstrating a statistically significant improved survival with bevacizumab. Moreover, toxicity, especially bleeding, was increased. Nevertheless, the study of other anti-angiogenic agents and novel combinations with other therapies, including immunotherapy, remains of interest. Several clinical trials are currently underway.
Keyphrases
- free survival
- phase iii
- clinical trial
- open label
- squamous cell carcinoma
- endothelial cells
- small cell lung cancer
- phase ii
- vascular endothelial growth factor
- metastatic colorectal cancer
- double blind
- placebo controlled
- randomized controlled trial
- locally advanced
- signaling pathway
- wound healing
- atrial fibrillation
- radiation therapy
- risk assessment
- human health
- combination therapy
- drug administration
- chemotherapy induced