Synergistic therapeutic strategies and engineered nanoparticles for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in cancer

Abstract

Angiogenesis is one of the defining characteristics of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for the development of angiogenesis. A growing interest in cancer therapy is being caused by the widespread use of antiangiogenic drugs in treating several types of human cancer. However, this therapeutic approach can worsen resistance, invasion, and overall survival. As we proceed, refining combination strategies and addressing the constraint of targeted treatments are paramount. Therefore, major challenges in using novel combinations of antiangiogenic agents with cytotoxic treatments are currently focused on illustrating the potential of synergistic therapeutic strategies, alongside advancements in nanomedicine and gene therapy, present opportunities for more precise interference with angiogenesis pathways and tumor environments. Nanoparticles have the potential to regulate several crucial activities and improve several drug limitations such as lack of selectivity, non-targeted cytotoxicity, insufficient drug delivery at tumor sites, and multi-drug resistance based on their unique features. The goal of this updated review is to illustrate the enormous potential of novel synergistic therapeutic strategies and the targeted nanoparticles as an alternate strategy for t treating a variety of tumors employing antiangiogenic therapy.