Angiogenesis Inhibitor (definition of)

Angiogenesis refers to the process by which blood is fed to malignant cells via blood vessels and capillaries, which allows the tumors to keep growing. When it comes to mesothelioma (like peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma), these tumors are located near blood-rich tissue, enabling them to grow faster; this is why mesothelioma is such an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Angiogenic inhibitors are drugs that eliminate the proteins responsible for the formation of these blood vessels, basically starving the tumor.

Bevacizumab is one such drug that slows the growth of tumors by inhibiting the development of new blood vessels. Bevacizumab has been shown to increase survival rates for patients with lung and coon cancer. However, as of this writing, its effectiveness in treating mesothelioma is still being evaluated. For information about additional treatment options, view the mesothelioma treatment guide.