Anti-angiogenic treatments in advanced NSCLC: back to the drawing board

Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor, targeting the serine-theronine kinases c- and b-raf, and the tyrosine kinases VEGFR1-3, PDGF-beta, c-kit, RET and fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 3 (Flt3). Thus, it inhibits multiple signaling pathways that are involved in tumor growth and spread, including tumor cell proliferation and survival, and angiogenesis. Sorafenib has proven efficacy as a single drug treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (1) and renal cell carcinoma (2). It is being tested as a treatment for several other tumors, either as a single agent or as an addition to other therapeutic reagents. Several studies have reported its use in NSCLC patients.