Antiangiogenic actions of heparin derivatives for cancer therapy

Abstract

Heparin is widely used as an anticoagulant agent in clinical medication. Recent studies have reported that heparin could have anticancer effects due to its interaction with angiogenesis-related molecules, meaning that it could reduce the formation of new blood vessels and tumorigenesis in the body. However, when heparin is administered for long periods, it can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and bleeding due to its anticoagulant activity. To overcome this limitation, heparin derivatives have been developed by modification of their structure or by conjugation with functional groups. Here we reviewed several kinds of heparin derivatives using bile acids, proteins, and metal nanoparticles in terms of angiogenesis. These heparin derivatives are promising candidates for new anticancer treatments.