Cardiovascular toxicity induced by anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents: a special focus on definitions, diagnoses, mechanisms and management

Introduction Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key target in cancer therapy. However, cardiovascular safety has been one of the most challenging aspects of anti-VEGF/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) agent development and therapy. While accurate diagnostic modalities for assessment of cardiac function have been developed over the past few decades, a lack of an optimal definition and precise mechanism still places a significant limit on the effective management of cardiovascular toxicity.Areas covered Here, we report the cardiovascular toxicity profile associated with anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents and summarize the clinical diagnoses as well as management that are already performed in clinical practice or are currently being investigated. Furthermore, the review discusses the potential molecular toxicological mechanisms, which may provide strategies to prevent toxicity and drive drug discovery.Expert opinion Cardiovascular toxicity associated with anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents has been a substantial risk for cancer treatment. To improve its management, the development of guidelines for prevention, monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular toxicity has become a hot topic. The summary of cardiovascular toxicity profile, mechanisms and management given in this review is not only significant for the optimal use of existing anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents to protect patients predisposed to cardiovascular toxicity but is also beneficial for drug development.