The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Angiogenesis Inhibitor

An angiogenesis inhibitor is a drug or dietary component that stops the growth of new blood vessels surrounding a tissue or tumor. There are several known angiogenesis inhibitors, including green tea and red wine. Additionally, several common foods of the Oriental diet are mild angiogenesis inhibitors, like Chinese cabbage, soy products such as tofu, and tempeh. Angiogenesis inhibitors are important in cancer treatments as they help to end the growth of tumors. Tumors can only grow if they form new blood vessels. By stopping the growth of blood vessels, doctors believe that they can end the growth of cancerous tumors. Today, the drug bevacizumab inhibits the receptors that promote angiogenesis by binding to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, modern research is working to further develop angiogenesis inhibitors as anti-cancer treatments, as well as weight loss aids. In clinical trials and animal studies, several new treatments have successfully ended the formation of new blood vessels surrounding tumors.