Current Status of Cediranib: The Rapid Development of a Novel Anti-Angiogenic Therapy

Angiogenesis, the process whereby tumors develop new blood vessels to facilitate growth and metastasis, is a pivotal event in tumorigenesis. It is tightly regulated by the VEGF system. Cediranib (AZD2171, Recentin; AstraZeneca, London, UK) is a novel and potent small-molecule inhibitor of VEGF signaling, with activity against the three VEGF receptors, as well as other targets. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date synopsis of all pertinent preclinical and clinical studies detailing this promising new therapy.