Figure 1.

Inhibition of VEGF signaling in MPM.

Notes: VEGF is expressed by MPM cells and binds VEGFR. VEGFR activity increases MPM cell proliferation and together with other receptors, such as PDGFR and FGFR, controls angiogenesis. Bevacizumab binds to VEGF and prevents VEGFR activation. A number of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors block VEGFR activity as well as the activity of other receptors such as PDGFR and FGFR.

Abbreviations: FGFR, fibrocyte growth factor receptor; MPM, malignant pleural mesothelioma; PDGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor; TKIs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; VEGFR, VEGF receptor.