Papers of the Week

Pain resulting from cancer metastatic to bone is a major clinical problemVascular endothelial growth factor receptors are involved in tumor angiogenesis and are felt to be analgesic targets WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: In a female rat model of metastatic breast cancer, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 were up-regulated in spinal tissueBlocking vascular endothelial growth factor signaling improved several measures of nociception and function in this model suggesting a role for vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists in reducing cancer-related pain BACKGROUND:: Cancer pain is a pervasive clinical symptom impairing life quality. Vascular endothelial growth factor A has been well studied in tumor angiogenesis and is recognized as a therapeutic target for anti-cancer treatment. This study tested the hypothesis that vascular endothelial growth factor A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 contribute to bone cancer pain regulation associated with spinal central sensitization.