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Program Overview

Angiogenesis is an essential process in the growth of neoplasms and progression to metastasis. The angiogenic pathway is orchestrated by a range of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors that ultimately lead to the development of a neovascular blood supply to the tumor mass. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, plays a pivotal role in this process. For these reasons, the inhibition of VEGF and its receptor signaling system are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Indeed, the approval in 2004 of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody directed against VEGF - the first anti-angiogenic systemic drug to treat cancer – validated the notion introduced decades earlier that inhibition of tumor angiogenesis may be a valid approach to control tumor growth. This success has driven the search for new anti-angiogenic agents. For example, small-molecule multikinase inhibitors that target VEGF receptors have recently demonstrated efficacy in multiple tumor types. A number of other anti-angiogenic agents targeting an increasing variety of molecular tumor features are in clinical development. More recently, studies of powerful new genetic and cell biological approaches have provided unprecedented insights into how various molecular and pivotal to tumor growth and survival. As a consequence, a number of new angiogenic molecules, such as neuropilins, Tie-2, and Notch ligand delta-like 4, have emerged as promising targets.

Since its inception over 4 decades ago, investigators in the field of tumor angiogenesis research have made significant progress. Advancements in therapeutics have altered cancer treatment paradigms, and the next decade promises to be an exciting and productive time. This annual state-of-the-art symposium is designed to continue the dialogue and interaction between research and clinical investigators by reviewing the current scientific understanding of vascular biology and angiogenesis. In addition, this symposium provides a forum for presenting the most current preclinical and clinical data on emerging anti-angiogenic agents and regimens. Strategies that inhibit angiogenesis in colorectal, breast, lung, esophageal, gastric, genitourinary, neuroendocrine, central nervous system, hepatocellular and gynecologic malignancies will be discussed. In addition, biomarkers and resistance pathways will be addressed, and controversies in the field will be highlighted.

Educational Objectives

Define angiogenesis and its relevance to the treatment of cancer;

Outline the rationale for the development of anti-angiogenic agents, and explain why angiogenic signaling pathways are targets for inhibition;

Summarize data from clinical trials that support the use of currently available anti-angiogenic agents as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic modalities. This clinical trial data will ultimately assist the healthcare provider in making appropriate clinical decisions;

Discuss safety and efficacy results from recent clinical trials of investigational anti-angiogenic agents that will lead to better quality care for the oncology patient.

Target Audience

This symposium is designed for medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, pharmacists, other providers of cancer care (PAs, RNs, etc.), and research scientists who have an interest in the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, as well as those who diagnose and treat patients with nonmalignant vascular diseases, such as arthritis and retinal neovascularization. As new and emerging data on anti-angiogenic therapy is presented at this symposium every year, it is necessary for this audience to be made aware of these findings so they can be utilized in their clinical practice.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center