The clinical potential of antiangiogenic fragments of extracellular matrix proteins
2005

The Clinical Potential of Antiangiogenic Fragments of Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Sample size: 61 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Clamp A R, Jayson G C

Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital

Hypothesis

Can antiangiogenic fragments of extracellular matrix proteins be effective in cancer treatment?

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential of antiangiogenic fragments but notes that clinical trials, particularly with endostatin, have not shown significant antitumor activity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Endostatin showed consistent pharmacokinetics but no formal disease responses were observed in trials.
  • Some patients experienced minor responses, but these were not dose-related.
  • Phase I trials indicated safety but lacked significant antiangiogenic activity.

Takeaway

Some proteins in our body can help stop cancer from growing by blocking blood vessel formation, but tests on one of these proteins, endostatin, didn't work as well as hoped.

Methodology

The review discusses various studies and trials involving antiangiogenic fragments, particularly focusing on endostatin and its clinical trials.

Potential Biases

Potential immunogenicity and the influence of pre-existing elevated endostatin levels in cancer patients may bias results.

Limitations

The trials faced issues with trial design, patient selection, and the lack of a clearly defined mechanism of action for endostatin.

Participant Demographics

Patients with advanced metastatic cancer, including various types such as melanoma, sarcoma, and colorectal cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6602820

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