Lead Inventors:
Jessica Kandel M.D., Darrel Yamashiro, Jiangzhong Huang
Preventing tumor growth by inhibiting formation of new blood vessels:
The past 30 years have seen remarkable progress in the treatment of certain malignancies, though not all types of cancer have experienced an improvement in prognosis, necessitating the development of novel anti-tumor treatments. One such method is the inhibition of angiogenesis through the use of small molecule or protein inhibitors. Angiogenesis is the biologic process of new blood vessel formation, an essential component of a number of pathologic conditions, including cancer. Compelling data suggest that inhibition of angiogenesis can not only prevent tumor-associated neovascularization but also affect tumor growth and spread.
An anticancer approach in which the tumor-induced new blood vessels are targeted is particularly appealing for several reasons. First, despite the extreme molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of human cancer, it is likely that most, if not all, tumor types require neovascularization to achieve their full malignant phenotype. Therefore, anti-angiogenic therapy may have broad applicability for the treatment of human cancer, as well as the many other pathologic processes that depend on angiogenesis [
1].
Slowing tumor growth by inhibiting neovascularization:
This invention is a class of small protein constructs capable of specifically binding VEGF, a growth factor involved in tumor growth and neoangiogenesis, thereby inhibiting it's binding and effect. By acting as a VEGF-trap, the molecule causes regression in solid tumors and metastases by disruption their vasculature, and ultimately their blood supply. The invention also inhibits the growth of tumors by preventing the formation of new blood vessels supplying nutrients essential for tumor growth [
2].
Applications:
• Novel cytostatic agent causing the regression of tumors and tumor metastases by destroying tumor vasculature
• Method capable of inhibiting the growth of solid tumors by inhibiting neoangiogenesis
• VEGF antagonists can be used as tools to investigate neoangiogenesis and metastasis formation in multiple tumor model organisms
Advantages:
• Identified compounds selectively disrupt vascularization of tumors
• Causes significant reduction in tumor size and mass
• Higher specificity than existing treatments targeting the VEGF signalling pathway
• Likely minimal in vivo toxicity due to the low doses required and specific targeting of tumors
Patent Information:
Patent Issued
Licensing Status: Available for Licensing and Sponsored Research Support
Publications: Antiangiogenic therapy for the treatment of pediatric solid malignancies. Davidoff AM, Kandel JJ.
Semin Pediatr Surg. 2004 Feb;13(1):53-60.
Regression of established tumors and metastases by potent vascular endothelial growth factor blockade Huang J, Frischer JS, Serur A, Kadenhe A, Yokoi A, McCrudden KW, New T, O'Toole K, Zabski S, Rudge JS, Holash J, Yancopoulos GD, Yamashiro DJ, Kandel JJ.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Jun 24;100(13):7785-90.
