Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of physiological angiogenesis. The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. T here is now compelling evidence that VEGF is implicated in pathological angiogenesis such as that occurring in cancer and intraocular neovascular syndromes. It has been also suggested that VEGF may be implicated in angiogenesis in atheromatous plaques. Several VEGF inhibitors are undergoing clinical testing. Very recent data demonstrate that an anti-VEGF antibody has clinical efficacy and prolongs survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.