Cancer Treatment for Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessels forming. Cancerous tumors rely on new blood vessels to receive nutrients and keep on growing. Certain cancer treatments aim to interfere with the bodily processes that promote this process.
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Importance of Inhibiting Angiogenesis
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Interference with new blood vessel formation cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cancerous tumors. This prevents new cells from traveling to other parts of the body and forming new tumors.
Current Angiogenesis Treatments
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Avastin is currently being used for colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and certain breast cancers. Other drugs with similar activity are being used for other types of cancers. Research is ongoing.
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Benefits
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Angiogenesis inhibitors limit damage to healthy cells and increase the effectiveness of other treatments. Tumors do not appear to develop resistance.
Limitations
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These medications do not kill tumors but keep them from growing and spreading. This requires long-term use which could lead to complications in areas where new blood vessel formation is important.
Side Effects
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Medications might compromise the immune system, worsen blood pressure and heart problems and cause bleeding problems. Fetal damage will occur if a woman becomes pregnant during treatment.
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