Optimizing the use of anti VEGF targeted therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: review of literature

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent forms of cancer both in men and women, and patients with metastatic disease are now being exposed to an increasing number of therapeutic agents to improve the survival outcomes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has o key role in the tumor growth and spreading. The approval of 4 agents that target angiogenic pathways in combination with standard chemotherapy improve overall and progression free survival and offer many opportunities to sequencing the treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the most effective strategy for the use of these agents remains unclear. This article presents an overview of the actual evidence for the use of agents that target angiogenesis in the treatment of mCRC.