A Study of the Pharmacodynamic Effects of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients With Advanced Malignancies

The well-established role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in carcinogenesis and tumor angiogenesis has led to the development of agents that target this pathway. Anti-VEGF agents the VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, and the small molecule VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Angiogenic factors play a key role in the maintenance of lung integrity and normal endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in hypertension, proteinuria and retinopathy. One of the major issues of anti-VEGF agents is its long-term toxicity especially taking into account the lack of adequate knowledge in this area and the possibility of prolonged periods of therapy in non-progressing patients. Hypertension and proteinuria are commonly seen in patients treated with anti-VEGF agents. In addition, the investigators have also observed in a relatively high frequency of pulmonary air-filled lesions in patients with malignancy in the lung treated with an anti-VEGF agent. Objectives of this exploratory study are to 1) determine the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on endothelial function 2) determine endothelial dysfunction as a marker of early response and as an indicator for the development of hypertension and proteinuria 3) characterize the effect of anti-VEGF therapy on the pulmonary function of patients with malignancy (primary or secondary) involving the lung in patients treated with anti-VEGF agents. Pharmacodynamic endpoints to be assessed are: blood pressure, brachial artery reactivity, retinal microvessels, microalbuminuria and proteinuria, pulmonary function, assess the effects of anti-VEGF therapy by assessing brachial artery reactivity, retinal vasculature and pulmonary function in a subset of patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy. The development of markers of endothelial dysfunction may result in the early identification of patients who are non-responders or develop toxicity from anti-VEGF treatment.