Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3328811 | Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology | 2013 | 16 Pages |
Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are rare indolent vascular tumors that may occur sporadically or in association with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Total neurosurgical resection is the standard upfront approach providing long-term tumor control. At time of tumor recurrence, second surgery, radiosurgery or radiotherapy are the main therapeutic strategies.Limited information is available on the role of pharmacological strategies. Anti-angiogenic agents, particularly multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (semaxanib, sunitinib, vatalanib), thalidomide and interferon alfa-2a are currently the most widely studied strategies to prolonge disease stability.Salvage therapy with anti-angiogenetic drugs may be of benefit in some patients who are not suitable for surgery, radiosurgery or radiotherapy, with progressive or recurrent hemangioblastoma especially those located in retina, since anti-angiogenetic therapy may delay tumor progression. This strategy warrants prospective evaluation in a clinical trial.