Radiation combined with antiangiogenic and antivascular agents

Angiogenesis is critical for a number of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes, and angiogenesis inhibitors are now being used in the treatment of cancer. Although antiangiogenic agents offer great therapeutic potential, preclinical and clinical trial results suggest that these agents will have a delayed onset of activity and may only induce disease stabilization for patients with advanced malignancy. The use of radiation therapy for cancer is also associated with therapeutic challenges that are distinct from those that might be expected with antiangiogenic agents. Thus, the use of angiogenesis inhibitors in combination with radiation therapy should help to overcome the limitations of each leading to enhanced efficacy and diminished toxicity. The goal of this review is to provide an overview and discussion of the combination of angiogenesis inhibitors with radiation therapy. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.