The potential of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in metastatic breast cancer: Clinical experience with anti-angiogenic agents, focusing on bevacizumab

This review describes the function of VEGF in normal and tumour angiogenesis, explores the rationale behind the use of anti-VEGF therapy in MBC and details the therapeutic impact of such agents on tumour vasculature. Clinical data from trials of anti-VEGF agents in MBC are discussed, with a particular focus on the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, the anti-VEGF agent at the most advanced stage of development in this tumour type. Future potential uses of bevacizumab in breast cancer are introduced.