Angiogenesis inhibitors, also known as anti-angiogenic drugs, are becoming increasingly important in cancer therapy. These drugs interfere with the growth of new blood vessels and vasculature, which help to feed tumor growth. By blocking angiogenesis, the tumor is not nourished, leading to slow growth and eventually death. This is a relatively new field of drugs, but there are several drugs in this class currently being used and new drugs are being researched and are in development.
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Bevacizumab, the generic name for the brand name drug Avastin, is a targeted therapy known as a monoclonal antibody. This drug targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which helps the body make new blood vessels to help feed tumors. By interfering with VEGF, it is hypothesized that the tumor will be unable to create blood vessels for nourishment, and either die, or grow very slowly, says the American Cancer Society. Bevacizumab is also described as an anti-angiogenic drug for this reason. This medication is given intravenously over 30 to 60 minutes. Side effects of this drug can include high blood pressure, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, loss of appetite and delayed congestive heart failure.
Sunitinib (Sutent)
Sunitinib, or Sutent, is another drug that targets VEGF in the vascular system and works like an angiogenesis inhibitor, according to Chemocare.com. It is a pill that is taken orally. Side effects of Sutent can include fatigue; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia; changes in how things taste; and high blood pressure.
Sorafenib (Nexavar)
Sorafenib is a cancer drug called a kinase inhibitor. The American Cancer Society describes kinases as proteins that send signals to the control center of the cell. Some kinases encourage the cell to form new blood vessels to help provide nutrition to the tumor. By interfering with these kinases, new blood vessel growth is inhibited; this makes the drug anti-angiogenic as well. Sorafenib is also taken orally as a pill, twice a day. Side effects of this drug can include itching, rash, fatigue, diarrhea and high blood pressure. According to the American Cancer Society, it may also cause hand-foot syndrome, with pain or numbness in the hands and feet, along with possible redness, blistering and peeling of the skin on the affected body parts.
