Weight loss induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway

Anticancer Drugs. 2012 Feb;23(2):149-54. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0b013e32834b3fae.

Abstract

Weight loss, cachexia and sarcopenia are profound problems in the frail oncologic patients. With the development and increasing use of angiogenesis inhibitors in metastatic cancer patients, the question arises as to their influence on body weight and composition. Angiogenesis is not only important for the growth, development and metastatic potential of tumors but also for physiological processes in adipogenesis. A less known approach of angiogenesis inhibitors is their experimental use in obese models. This review focuses on the effects on the body weight and composition of angiogenesis inhibitors, especially of those targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis / drug effects
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Weight Loss / drug effects*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases