Angiokinase inhibitors

Angiokinase inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. They are used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth.

Mechanism of Action

Angiokinase inhibitors work by blocking the activity of kinase enzymes involved in angiogenesis. These enzymes, known as angiokinases, include vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). By inhibiting these enzymes, angiokinase inhibitors prevent the signaling pathways that promote blood vessel growth.

Clinical Use

Angiokinase inhibitors are used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). They are also being investigated for use in other diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, angiokinase inhibitors can cause side effects. These may include hypertension, proteinuria, and hand-foot syndrome, among others. The risk of side effects may be increased in patients with certain underlying conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease.

Examples

Examples of angiokinase inhibitors include sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib. These drugs are typically administered orally and are available in tablet form.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to develop new angiokinase inhibitors and to better understand how these drugs work. This includes studies to identify biomarkers that can predict response to treatment, as well as trials to evaluate the effectiveness of angiokinase inhibitors in combination with other therapies.