How are antiangiogenic drugs used in the treatment of cancer?
A) These drugs stop the replication of DNA so cancer cells cannot reproduce.
B) These drugs stop metastasis.
C) These drugs stimulate the production of free radicals, which kill cancer cells.
D) These drugs stop the growth of blood vessels into the tumor, so the cells “starve” to death.
E) These drugs stimulate the immune system
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) These drugs stop the growth of blood vessels into the tumor, so the cells “starve” to death.
Explanation:
Antiangiogenic drugs are a class of cancer treatments that work by preventing the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors need to grow and spread. Tumors, like all growing tissues, require a supply of oxygen and nutrients to thrive, which is provided by blood vessels. When these new blood vessels are prevented from forming, it effectively “starves” the tumor of the resources it needs to grow.
This approach is based on the principle that tumors are often able to hijack the body’s normal angiogenesis mechanisms to support their uncontrolled growth. In response, antiangiogenic drugs target specific molecules involved in the angiogenesis process, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). By inhibiting VEGF or other key proteins involved in blood vessel formation, these drugs reduce the tumor’s ability to form new blood vessels, thus limiting its growth and potential to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).
The result is a significant reduction in the tumor’s ability to survive and expand. Additionally, as the blood supply to the tumor is diminished, the cancer cells may die or become more susceptible to other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Some well-known antiangiogenic drugs include bevacizumab (Avastin) and sorafenib.
Unlike other cancer treatments that target rapidly dividing cancer cells or boost the immune system, antiangiogenic therapy aims to disrupt the environment around the tumor, cutting off its lifeline. This makes it a unique and valuable strategy in cancer treatment, particularly for tumors that are difficult to target directly, such as those in the brain or certain solid tumors.