Tumors are dependent upon neovascularization to feed their massive demand for
nutrients and oxygen. To uphold the nutrient influx, cancer cells produce growth factors
and activators that stimulate and shape the blood vessel network around the tumor.
Therapies aimed at reducing the blood flow to the cancer cells can slow down tumor
growth and reduce metastasis. This chapter focuses on tumor neovascularization as a target
for anti-cancer therapy. An overview of long standing and novel anti-angiogenic agents is
given, which includes antibodies directed against vascular growth factors and angiotensin
II, pharmaceutical compounds and natural metabolites, and combination therapy. The
relevant patents are discussed. Anti-angiogenic therapy has every potential of becoming
indispensible, as a supplement to chemo- and radiation-cancer therapy.
Keywords: Angiogenesis, angiopoietin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonists, antibody therapy, combination
therapy, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, hepatocyte growth factor inhibitors, intergrins,
liposomes, matrix metalloproteinases, mitocans, opioids, phytochemicals,
polymers, polyphenols, thrombospondins, troponin I, tyrosine kinase inhibitors,
vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.
