The term "angiogenesis" refers to the formation of new blood vessels. During the human growth process, the body needs new blood vessels to supply blood to all the cells of the body. In cancer patients, the angiogenesis process creates blood vessels that supply the tumor with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow and spread. Fast-growing cancers produce angiogenesis promoters that create capillaries and a network of blood vessels around the tumor.
A number of antiangiogenesis drugs, also known as angiogenesis inhibitors or angiogenic inhibitors, have been developed. These drugs target the blood supply necessary for survival and growth of the tumor. When administered to laboratory animals with tumors, they have caused the tumors to shrink or even disappear. Without the aid of oxygen and nutrients, it is believed that tumors will remain benign. This in turn increases the likelihood that additional treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy, will be successful.
Veglin is one antiangiogenesis drug designed to target a wide range of cancers, including malignant mesothelioma. Veglin lowers the levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF), which are proteins that stimulate angiogenesis. It appears that VEGF plays an important role in the growth of mesothelioma, and many of the anti-angiogensis drugs currently being tested attack this VEGF pathway. Other antiangiogenesis drugs include bevacizumab (Avastin), a synthetic version of an immune system protein that binds to VEGF and prevents it from reaching the VEGF receptor. Other drugs, such as sorafenib (Nexavar), are small molecules that attach directly to the VEGF receptor and prevent it from being activated.
This area of cancer research holds promise for the treatment of mesothelioma tumors, but it is still in the early and experimental stages. In the clinical trial system, there are currently hundreds of anti-angiogenesis drugs being studied. Some of these drugs are being tested as single agents, while others are being used in combination with other types of traditional treatments.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation to help pay medical bills and reimburse lost wages. Fill out our free case evaluation today to speak with a mesothelioma attorney.
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