Targeting Angiogenesis: Taming the Medusa of Ovarian Cancer.

Epithelial ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic cancers with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Cytotoxic combinations are associated with incremental toxicity, leading to interest in evaluating cytotoxic/biologic combinations with improved therapeutic ratios. Angiogenesis is critical to the normal physiology of the gynecologic tract and a novel drug target. Current data suggests antiangiogenics should be considered a critical component of epithelial ovarian cancer treatment. Given the serious adverse event of gastrointestinal perforation/fistula in advanced disease, priority should be given to front-line treatment. Active investigation continues in the development of novel combinations with other biologics.