Therapeutic angiogenesis - Potential role of basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with severe ischaemic heart disease

Therapeutic angiogenesis is a rapidly evolving approach to the treatment of advanced coronary disease. The availability of growth factors such as basi c fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF2) has made possible the practical c linical application of this research. Tn this article, we summarise the bas ic biology of bFGF, a prototypical angiogenic growth factor, and the precli nical studies with this growth factor, and analyse recent clinical experien ce. While much remains to be learned, bFGF has been clearly shown to induce effective growth of new vasculature in a variety of animal models. The ini tial clinical data are promising, with patients demonstrating improvement i n symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. At the same time, the a dverse effects profile has, to date, remained relatively benign.