|
Other Advances
Many tumors produce substances that promote the growth of new blood vessels to help provide oxygen and nutrients for their nearly insatiable needs. Eventually, these tumor cells become dependent on these new vessels. A promising new technique is to use substances
(antiangiogenesis factors)
that inhibit these blood vessels, thereby starving the tumor cells. These factors can obliterate certain malignant tumors in mice and early human trials have shown response in some cases, although usually not prolonged. Furthermore, there are situations in which production of new blood vessels is important for health. The role of antiangiogenesis factors in humans is promising, particularly in combination with other drugs, but remains to be defined.
|
