Fragment-based investigation of thiourea derivatives as VEGFR-2 inhibitors: a cross-validated approach of ligand-based and structure-based molecular modeling studies.

Angiogenesis is mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that plays a key role in the modulation of progression, invasion and metastasis, related to solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Several small-molecule VEGFR-2 inhibitors are marketed, but their usage is restricted to specific cancers due to severe toxicities. Therefore, cost-effective novel small molecule VEGFR-2 inhibitors may be an alternative to overcome these adverse effects.