Question

The drug Avastin binds and inhibits VEGF. How does this drug help treat cancer?

a. The cancer cells are starved of oxygen.
b. Angiogenesis is inhibited, blocking the formation of new capillaries to the tumor.
c. The drug directly kills cancer cells.
d. New capillaries form and aid in the delivery of chemotherapy to the tumor

Answer 1

Angiogenesis inhibitors like Avastin are used in cancer treatment to block the formation of new blood vessels, thereby starving cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients.

Step-by-step explanation:

Angiogenesis inhibitors are drugs used in cancer treatment because they block the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. This is important in cancer treatment because all tissues, including malignant tumors, require a blood supply to grow and survive. By inhibiting angiogenesis, the drug Avastin can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells by starving them of oxygen and nutrients.

Answer: b. Angiogenesis is inhibited, blocking the formation of new capillaries to the tumor.