antiVEGFlægemidler

Anti-VEGF medications are a class of drugs used to treat various medical conditions, primarily those affecting the eyes and certain types of cancer. The core mechanism of action for these drugs is to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels. In certain diseases, excessive or abnormal blood vessel growth contributes significantly to the progression of the condition and subsequent damage.

In ophthalmology, anti-VEGF drugs are widely used to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and can leak fluid, leading to vision loss. By blocking VEGF, these medications reduce the growth and leakage of these abnormal vessels, helping to preserve or improve vision. Similarly, in diabetic retinopathy, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to VEGF production and the formation of new, fragile vessels that can bleed. Anti-VEGF therapy aims to control this process.

In oncology, anti-VEGF agents are employed as a strategy to starve tumors. Tumors require a robust blood supply to grow and spread, and they often secrete VEGF to promote angiogenesis. By inhibiting VEGF, these drugs can slow down tumor growth and metastasis by limiting the development of new blood vessels that feed the tumor. They are often used in combination with chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. Examples of anti-VEGF medications include bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, though specific uses and availability can vary.