angiogenesis inhibitors

[Dana]

I have heard a lot about angiogenesis inhibitors.  Are you aware of any advances in this research for advanced breast cancer?

[Maman]

Dana: the University of California at San Francisco has just begun a clinical trial combining a chemotherapy drug, Xeloda, used for advanced cancers resistant to other chemos, WITH an angiogenesis inhibitor. You might look into it.  Take care.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Dana, Angiogenesis is a process that tumors go through which enable them to develop blood vessels to increase their blood supply.  Angiogentic inhibitors work to stop this process.  In the early studies of angiogenesis inhibitors certain tumors were found to be feasible targets for these substances, and breast tumors fit into this category.  Currently clinical trials are underway which are using angiogenesis inhibitors alone or in combination with other treatments to determine their effectiveness in advanced breast cancer. The use of angiogenesis inhibitors in advanced breast cancer at this time is in the setting of a clinical trial.