Revisiting the Role of Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that has been approved for use in a variety of cancers including colorectal and lung cancer [1,2]. Because malignancies are highly vascular in nature and depend on a robust blood supply to maintain cell viability, it was thought this anti-angiogenic antibody would slow tumor growth by limiting new blood vessel formation thus reducing blood supply. Although the specific tissue level mechanism of action of bevacizumab remains unknown, it may exert an anti-tumor effect, in part, by interfering with VEGF binding to its receptor on vascular endothelium, thus disrupting the usual mechanisms of endothelial proliferation and survival [3].
Source: Seminars in Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research