Anti-VEGF agents

Overview of anti-VEGF agents used in medical treatments

Anti-VEGF agents are a class of medications that inhibit the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. These agents are primarily used in the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal blood vessel growth, such as certain types of cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Mechanism of Action

VEGF is a key regulator of angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. In many diseases, such as cancer, VEGF is overexpressed, leading to the growth of new blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors, facilitating their growth and metastasis. Anti-VEGF agents work by binding to VEGF molecules, preventing them from interacting with their receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting the angiogenesis process.

Types of Anti-VEGF Agents

There are several types of anti-VEGF agents, including:

• Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system's attack on cancer cells. An example is bevacizumab (Avastin).

• VEGF-trap: This is a fusion protein that acts as a decoy receptor for VEGF, preventing it from binding to its natural receptors. An example is aflibercept (Eylea).

• Small molecule inhibitors: These are small molecules that inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of the VEGF receptor. Examples include sunitinib and sorafenib.

Clinical Applications

Anti-VEGF agents are used in the treatment of various conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Anti-VEGF therapy is a standard treatment for wet AMD, a condition characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

• Cancer: Anti-VEGF agents are used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

• Diabetic retinopathy: These agents are also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes.

Side Effects

While anti-VEGF agents are effective in treating various conditions, they can also cause side effects. Common side effects include hypertension, proteinuria, and increased risk of bleeding. In some cases, patients may experience gastrointestinal perforations or impaired wound healing.

Research and Development

Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF agents, as well as developing new agents with better specificity and fewer side effects. Combination therapies that include anti-VEGF agents and other treatments are also being explored to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Also see

• Angiogenesis
• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cancer treatment