Angiogenesis inhibitors in clinical oncology

Over the past 5 years the clinical applications of anti-angiogenic strategies have grown exponentially. This past year was no exception with the rapid development and introduction into practice of two multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The development of TKIs for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors in particular validates this target further in its role in angiogenesis and suggests further mechanisms that may complement previously established neutralizing antibodies to VEGF and similar strategies. Ongoing studies will combine these and other agents in what may be further advances in angiogenesis inhibition in the years to come.