Final answer:
Angiogenesis inhibitors are used in cancer treatment to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels needed by tumors to grow and survive. They target processes like cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and specifically the tumor microvasculature, often involving VEGF inhibition. Advancements in drug delivery methods, such as PEGylated nanoparticles, improve the targeted delivery of these agents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angiogenesis inhibitors are pharmaceutical drugs used in cancer treatment because they are designed to prevent the growth of new blood vessels which tumors require for growth and survival. Since all tissues, including malignant tumors, need a blood supply to receive nutrients and oxygen, by inhibiting angiogenesis, these drugs can starve the tumor of these essential substances. This form of treatment targets the tumor microvasculature, a critical component for tumor progression.
One example of how these drugs work is by targeting over-expressed Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which aids in tumor angiogenesis. In addition, angiogenesis inhibitors may indirectly affect tumor cells by preventing cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion—processes necessary for tumor growth. Thalidomide is a drug that, despite its controversial history, has been shown to effectively treat various diseases, including cancer, due to its anti-angiogenic properties.
Furthermore, the development of nanotechnology has led to advanced drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles with a PEGylated (Polyethylene glycol) surface, which can evade immune recognition and prolong circulation time in the body, allowing for targeted delivery of antiangiogenic agents to the tumor site. These advances show significant potential in improving the efficacy of cancer therapies through the strategic inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.