Antivascular strategies--a new concept for diagnosis and therapy of head and neck cancer. A review

Abstract

The development of a blood supply is a crucial step in the progression and metastasis of head and neck cancer. While conventional therapeutic approaches, e. g. chemotherapy and radiation, are focusing on tumor cells, antivascular therapy is directed against the tumor supplying blood vessels. Antivascular treatment can be divided in anti-angiogenesis and vascular targeting. While antiangiogenic therapy prevents neovascularisation by inhibiting new blood vessel growth, the aim of vascular targeting is the destruction of already existing tumor vasculature. This review will summarise current pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis and the concepts of antivascular therapy with respect to possible applications in head and neck cancer. With experimental antivascular strategies a retardation of tumor growth or tumor remission may be achieved, demonstrating proof of principle. At present, numerous drugs are preclinically and clinically evaluated. Antivascular strategies are a promising concept for treatment of patients with head and neck carcinomas. They will most likely exhibit their potential in combination with standard tumor therapies in the future.