Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Once a tumor reaches a size of more than 2 millimeters, oxygen and nutrients from the adjacent tissue are not sufficient any more, and a separate blood supply is required. The tumor generates through specific chemical processes new blood vessels (angiogenesis) which sprout into the tumor, ensuring a sufficient nutrient supply. One protein involved in the growth of new vessels is called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The development of new drugs and antibodies aims to inhibit this angiogenesis (angiogenesis inhibitors).
Bevacizumab is one of these antiangionic substances. In combination with chemotherapy, this monoclonal antibody is used in advanced colorectal cancer with metastases. While it can stop tumor growth and increase life expectancy of the patients, it is still not efficient enough to completely cure cancer. Further studies about monoclonal antibodies are still necessary.