Angiogenesis is the process of building blood vessels. The starting and stopping of this process occurs naturally in your body by chemicals. Some of these chemicals signal cells to begin building these vessels, while others act as inhibitors, stopping the growth when necessary. Angiogenesis is a critical function in the growth and spread of cancer in your body. Tumors require angiogenesis to be able to receive oxygen and other nutrients. Stopping angiogenesis can be achieved through a number of inhibiting drugs.
Take thalidomide, a pill taken orally, which stops the cells lining blood vessels from forming new vessels. Thalidomide is also used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, but is not an option for pregnant women, as it causes damage to fetuses.
Consider lenalidomide (Revlimid), which is similar to thalidomide and is also used in the treatment of multiple myeloma as well as myelodysplastic syndrome. This oral drug is also not an option for pregnant women because of the threat it poses to unborn babies.
Take bevacizumab (Avastin), a laboratory-produced antibody that attaches to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors in cancer cells. It is administered as an injection and also treats several kinds of cancers, including kidney, breast and lung cancers.
Ask your doctor about sunitinib (Sutent), which blocks platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors as well as VEGF receptors. It is available as a pill taken orally and is used to treat kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Taking sorafenib (Nexavar) is a good option for individuals battling aggressive cancers. This drug blocks VEGF and PDGF receptors as well as the growth of certain proteins found in cancer cells. It is an orally ingested pill.