Anti-angiogenesis in cancer therapy

OBJECTIVE: To review tumor angiogenesis, identify potential targets for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy, and highlight certain anti-angiogenic agents in clinical trials. DATA SOURCE: Research articles, abstracts, review articles, and book chapters. CONCLUSION: Tumor angiogenesis is a complex, multistep process that provides a target for antineoplastic therapy whereby tumor neovasculature is interrupted at various steps in the angiogenic process. Clinical trials are investigating the application and efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses must continually increase their knowledge with the onset of newer, targeted agents. This will provide a background for educating and caring for the patient who is receiving anti-angiogenic therapy.