Ang2-Targeted Combination Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a member of the angiopoietin family, is widely involved in the process of vascular physiology, bone physiology, adipose tissue physiology and the occurrence and development of inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy, rheumatoid, tumor and other diseases under pathological conditions. Proliferation and metastasis of cancer largely depend on angiogenesis. Therefore, anti-angiogenesis has become the target of tumor therapy. Due to the Ang2 plays a key role in promoting angiogenesis and stability in vascular physiology, the imbalance of its expression is an important condition for the occurrence and development of cancer. It has been proved that blocking Ang2 can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In recent years, research has been constantly supplemented. We focus on the mechanisms that regulate the expression of Ang2 mRNA and protein levels in different cancers, contributing to a better understanding of how Ang2 exerts different effects in different cancers and stages, as well as facilitating more specific targeting of relevant molecules in cancer therapy. At the same time, the importance of Ang2 in cancer growth, metastasis, prognosis and combination therapy is pointed out. And finally, we will discuss the current investigations and future challenges of combining Ang2 inhibition with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy to increase its efficacy in cancer patients. This review provides a theoretical reference for the development of new targets and effective combination therapy strategies for cancer treatment in the future.

Keywords: Ang2; Antiangiogenic therapy; Cancer development; Combination therapy; Targeting therapy.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the effect of Ang2 dysregulation on cancer cells: The increase of Ang2 in cancer leads to vascular instability, increases leakiness of the vessels, limits immune cell trafficking, and finally promotes the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cancer.

Figure 2

Overview of factors or signal pathways that regulate Ang2 expression in various cancers: These factors or signaling pathways regulate Ang2 expression to mediate the occurrence and development of cancers, which may be potential targets for cancer treatment. Green arrows indicate positive effects. Red perpendicular bars indicate negative effects.