Angiogenesis inhibitor

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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  • 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.
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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:

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:

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:

Angiogenesis inhibitor Resources

Contributors: Deepika vegiraju