Angiogenesis inhibitor
- Angiogenesis inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis.
- This therapeutic approach is used in the treatment of various conditions, including cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and certain inflammatory disorders.
- By targeting angiogenesis, these medications aim to disrupt the blood supply to tumors or abnormal tissues, thereby hindering their growth and progression.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
- Angiogenesis is a complex process involving the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.
- It plays a crucial role in normal physiological processes such as wound healing, embryonic development, and menstrual cycles.
- However, it is also involved in the growth and spread of tumors and certain diseases.
Angiogenesis inhibitors exert their effects through different mechanisms, including:
Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF):
- VEGF is a key protein that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels.
- Angiogenesis inhibitors can block the activity of VEGF or its receptors, preventing the signaling pathways that promote angiogenesis.
Disruption of Blood Vessel Formation:
- Some angiogenesis inhibitors target specific molecules involved in blood vessel formation, such as integrins or fibroblast growth factors (FGFs).
- By interfering with these molecules, they disrupt the process of angiogenesis.
Modulation of Angiogenic Factors:
- Angiogenesis inhibitors can modify the levels or activity of various angiogenic factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), or angiopoietins, thereby influencing the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic signals.
Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]
- Angiogenesis inhibitors have been primarily studied and utilized in the treatment of cancer.
- By inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels, they aim to starve tumors of their blood supply, preventing their growth and spread.
Some commonly used angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer treatment include:
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
- Sorafenib (Nexavar)
- Sunitinib (Sutent)
- Pazopanib (Votrient)
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza)
In addition to cancer, angiogenesis inhibitors are also used in the management of other conditions, such as:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
- Certain angiogenesis inhibitors, including ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea), are injected into the eye to treat the abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina that occurs in AMD.
Inflammatory Disorders:
- Some inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease, involve excessive angiogenesis.
- Angiogenesis inhibitors can be used to help control the inflammation and reduce symptoms in these conditions.
Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
- Angiogenesis inhibitors can have side effects, which vary depending on the specific medication and the condition being treated.
Common side effects may include:
- hypertension (high blood pressure), proteinuria (presence of excess protein in urine), bleeding or clotting disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue.
- Since angiogenesis inhibitors can affect the formation of new blood vessels throughout the body, they may interfere with normal wound healing and cause delayed healing.
- Additionally, they can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.
- It is important to note that angiogenesis inhibitors are prescribed and administered under the supervision of healthcare professionals experienced in their use.
- The choice of medication, dosage, and treatment duration are tailored to each patient's specific condition and individual characteristics.
References[edit | edit source]
Kerbel, R.S. (2008). Tumor angiogenesis. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(19), 2039-2049. Ferrara, N., & Adamis, A.P. (2016). Anti-VEGF therapy for ocular vascular diseases. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 15(6), 385-396. Carmeliet, P. (2005). Angiogenesis in health and disease. Nature Medicine, 9(6), 653-660.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Here are some related topics that you may find helpful:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
- Tumor Angiogenesis
- Anti-VEGF Therapy
- Cancer Treatment Options
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Inflammatory Disorders
- Integrins
- Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs)
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
- Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β)
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