antiVEGFravi

AntiVEGFravi is a term that refers to a class of drugs designed to inhibit the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed. In certain diseases, such as various forms of cancer and certain eye conditions, excessive VEGF production can lead to uncontrolled blood vessel growth, which can fuel tumor progression or damage delicate tissues.

Drugs that are antiVEGFravi work by blocking the action of VEGF. This can be achieved in several ways, depending on the specific drug. Some agents are monoclonal antibodies that directly bind to VEGF, preventing it from interacting with its receptors on cells. Others are small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target the receptors themselves, thereby blocking the signaling pathway initiated by VEGF.

The primary therapeutic application of antiVEGFravi therapies is in oncology, where they are used to slow or stop the growth of tumors by limiting their blood supply. They have been approved for use in treating various cancers, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and glioblastoma. In ophthalmology, antiVEGFravi agents are used to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye can lead to vision loss.

While effective, antiVEGFravi therapies can have side effects. These may include hypertension, proteinuria, bleeding events, and impaired wound healing. The specific side effect profile varies depending on the drug and the individual patient.