Targeting VEGF in Thoracic Oncology

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Prunella Blinman (Medical Oncologist from Concord Hospital, Sydney) is joined by world-leading thoracic medical oncologists Prof Nick Pavlakis (Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney) and Prof Sanjay Popat (The Royal Marsden Hospital, London) to discuss the evolving role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in thoracic malignancies. Together, they explore the biology of VEGF and its impact on the tumour microenvironment, trace the history and safety lessons of anti-VEGF therapies from early trials like ECOG 4599 to IMpower150, and highlight emerging breakthroughs and examine emerging approaches including PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies, HARMONi-2 and novel combinations with ADCs. This podcast was proudly sponsored by BioNTech. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers. (00:00) Welcome and Overview (02:20) VEGF Basics and Angiogenesis (05:42) Tumour Vessels and Immune Effects (09:14) VEGF in Thoracic Cancers (12:54) Squamous Bleeding Risk Explained (15:23) UK Experience and Modest Gains (20:14) IMpower150 and Combo Era (26:34) Bispecifics PD1 VEGF Rationale (30:02) HARMONi Trials and New Signals (33:49) Future Combos With ADCs (35:39) Safety Toxicities and Wrap Up --------------- Support TOGA Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. --------------- Connect with TOGA Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/ Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/ Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/ Follow Us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology --------------- Acknowledgement of Country The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.