Publication: [Neuropilins: relevant therapeutic targets to improve the treatment of cancers].

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Exacerbated angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. However, targeting the signaling pathway of the «Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)» or its receptors has shown its therapeutic limits. Despite short term benefits for patients, tumors always relapse and generally become metastatic and incurable. Neuropilins 1 and 2 (NRP1, 2) whose activity was originally described in the nervous system, stimulate many parameters involved in tumor aggressiveness including cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and immune tolerance. Thus, an overexpression of NRP1 or 2 in many tumors, is correlated with a short survival of the patients. The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanisms of action involved in stimulating NRP1 and NRP2 and to take stock of therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies or in early-phase trials in patients with different cancers. Neuropilins – Relevant targets for improving cancer treatment. Exacerbated angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer, as defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. However, targeting the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling pathway or its receptors has shown therapeutic limitations. After an undeniable therapeutic benefit for patients, tumors recur after a few months and generally become metastatic and incurable. Neuropilins 1 and 2 (NRP1 and 2), whose activity was initially described in the nervous system, stimulate numerous functions involved in tumor aggressiveness, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, as well as immune tolerance. Thus, overexpression of NRP1 or NRP2 in many tumors is correlated with short patient survival. This review aims to describe the mechanisms of action involved in the stimulation of NRP1 and NRP2 and to summarize therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies or early-phase trials in patients with various cancers.