Anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic targeted systemic therapy for high-risk prostate cancer

In the United States, prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer diagnosed in men. Although localized disease has a high chance for cure, metastatic disease eventually leads to incurable androgen refractory prostate cancer. There has been an increased focus on anti-angiogenic targeting therapies for high-risk disease. Docetaxol, thalidomide, bevacizumab, angiostatin, and anti-androgen ablation all have proven anti-angiogenic properties in clinical and/or preclinical prostate cancer treatment. This article summarizes the recent clinical and translational research advances in this field. It appears that anti-angiogenic agents may be used to treat high-risk prostate cancer, when used in combination with conventional cytotoxic agents.