Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Angiogenesis inhibitors are drugs used to stop the formation of new blood vessels. They play a key role in cancer therapy and are also used for other medical conditions, such as macular degeneration. The mechanism of action of these agents is based on their ability to block the enzymes involved in angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels). This article will discuss the different types of angiogenesis inhibitors and how they work.
Types of Angiogenesis Inhibitors
There are two main classes of angiogenesis inhibitors: small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). TKIs target vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-R) that have been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, while mAbs inhibit other factors associated with tumor development like VEGF-A or platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα). Both classes have been successfully used in clinical trials for treating cancer patients, although there has been some controversy about their safety profiles.
How Do Angiogenesis Inhibitors Work?
The mechanism by which these agents act is complex, but generally involves blocking one or more steps necessary for vessel formation from pre-existing vessels. By inhibiting VEGF signaling pathways at various levels along its cascade, TKIs can disrupt normal processes leading to neovascularization – the formation of new capillaries from existing ones – thereby reducing tumorigenesis and metastases. Similarly, mAbs bind to proteins expressed on endothelial cells that induce changes resulting in vessel sprouting; this process can be blocked when an antibody binds to it instead. Through this mechanism, tumors may become less aggressive since they no longer receive oxygenated blood supply that would otherwise sustain them through further proliferation and spread.
In summary, angiogenesis inhibitor drugs offer significant promise as treatments for various diseases involving neovascularization including cancerous tumors, age related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy among others due to their ability to specifically target proteins responsible for inducing abnormal vessel growth without adversely affecting healthy tissue within an individual’s body cavity or organs systems . Further research into understanding how these compounds interact with relevant molecular pathways promises even greater efficacy potentials than what we currently understand today..