Medically reviewed by Prof. Shimon Slavin, MD. Updated: August 2026
Angiogenesis inhibitors are anti-cancer drugs that interfere with the formation and maintenance of blood vessels that tumors need for continued growth. This approach is known as anti-angiogenic therapy.
Unlike treatments that act directly on cancer cells, angiogenesis inhibitors target mechanisms that help supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients.
What Is Tumor Angiogenesis?
Angiogenesis is the natural process by which new blood vessels develop from existing ones. Under normal conditions, it plays an important role in tissue repair and wound healing.
Growing tumors can also use this process. Cancer cells may release signaling molecules that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels around and within the tumor, helping meet the high metabolic demands of rapidly proliferating malignant cells.
One of the key factors involved in this process is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its related receptors. For this reason, VEGF and other mechanisms involved in angiogenesis have become important targets in cancer treatment.
How Do Angiogenesis Inhibitors Work?
Angiogenesis inhibitors target signaling pathways involved in the development of the tumor’s vascular network.
Depending on the specific drug, anti-angiogenic therapy may:
- block VEGF or VEGF receptor signaling pathways;
- target other molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis;
- create less favorable conditions for continued tumor growth.
Anti-angiogenic therapy does not necessarily destroy cancer cells directly. Instead, its aim is to interfere with biological processes that tumors may rely on for continued growth.
Why Target Angiogenesis in Cancer?
Many solid tumors require a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients as they grow. Developing their own vascular network helps provide these resources.
Inhibiting angiogenesis therefore makes it possible to target one of the mechanisms that can contribute to tumor progression. However, different tumors may rely on different signaling pathways and may adapt to their inhibition, so the potential role of anti-angiogenic therapy needs to be evaluated individually.
Anti-Angiogenic Therapy at Biotherapy International
At Biotherapy International, anti-angiogenic therapy may be included in an individualized cancer treatment protocol, taking into account:
- the diagnosis, disease stage, and current status;
- previous treatments and response to therapy;
- the patient’s general condition and current medications.
When medically appropriate, oral agents with anti-angiogenic activity, including lenalidomide, lenvatinib, or fruquintinib, may be considered. Alternatively, intravenously administered agents such as bevacizumab may be used.
Depending on the diagnosis and specific clinical situation, some uses of these drugs may be off-label, meaning outside their officially approved indications.
Combining Anti-Angiogenic Therapy With Other Cancer Treatments
Tumors may use multiple mechanisms at the same time to support growth, adapt to treatment, and evade immune responses.
Therefore, at Biotherapy International, anti-angiogenic therapy may be used in combination with cancer immunotherapy and other therapeutic approaches.
The specific combination is selected according to the characteristics of the disease, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall condition.
Is Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Right for Me?
Anti-angiogenic therapy is not suitable for every patient. Its potential role depends on the type of cancer, previous treatments, current disease status, and the overall treatment strategy.
Before treatment begins, the patient’s medical records are reviewed during an individual consultation with Prof. Shimon Slavin, after which possible treatment options are discussed.
To find out whether anti-angiogenic therapy may be included in your individualized treatment protocol, you can request a medical consultation with Biotherapy International.
