Phytochemicals Targeting VEGF and VEGF-Related Multifactors as Anticancer Therapy

Abstract

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer cells is not limited to angiogenesis; there are also multiple factors, such as neuropilins (non-tyrosine kinases receptors), tyrosine kinases receptors, immunodeficiencies, and integrins, that interact with VEGF signaling and cause cancer initiation. By combating these factors, tumor progression can be inhibited or limited. Natural products are sources of several bioactive phytochemicals that can interact with VEGF-promoting factors and inhibit them through various signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting cancer growth. This review provides a deeper understanding of the relation and interaction of VEGF with cancer-promoting factors and phytochemicals in order to develop multi-targeted cancer prevention and treatment.

Keywords

• vascular endothelial growth factor
• receptor tyrosine kinases
• neuropilins
• epithelial–mesenchymal transition
• hypoxia-inducible factor
• estrogen receptor-β
• prolyl hydroxylase 2
• Notch ligand Delta-like 4
• focal adhesion kinases
• placental growth factor-1