Purpose of review: The fact that growth and spread of tumours are dependent on angiogenesis has led to the investigation of the role of antiangiogenic agents in the therapeutic strategies for thoracic tumours such as nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review summarizes and evaluates the recent developments in this field.
Recent findings: Bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC of nonsquamous histology in combination with a platinum-containing chemotherapy. Like in other cancer entities, the antiangiogenic concept in NSCLC comprises maintenance therapy with the antiangiogenic compound until disease progression. Moreover, over the last years, new antiangiogenic agents have been tested in clinical trials in NSCLC patients. Recent trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents in combination with docetaxel in the second-line setting.
Summary: These studies - together with experiences from other cancer entities - have revived the field of antiangiogenic treatment in lung cancer.