ANTIVEGF refers to a type of medication that works against the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the process of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. In normal circumstances, angiogenesis is necessary for the growth and development of tissues, but it can become problematic in certain diseases and conditions such as cancer and certain eye disorders.
ANTIVEGF medications are designed to inhibit the action of VEGF, thereby preventing the growth of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to abnormal tissues, specifically in tumor growth or neovascularization in the eye. By doing so, they aim to control the progression and spread of diseases associated with excessive angiogenesis.
These medications are commonly used in the treatment of cancers, including colorectal, lung, and kidney cancer, among others. In ophthalmology, they are commonly employed in the management of conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema.
ANTIVEGF drugs can be administered through injections directly into the affected area, such as the eye or tumor, or given intravenously. They work by directly binding to VEGF proteins, neutralizing their activity, and inhibiting the signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis.
While ANTIVEGF therapies have shown promising results in inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels and managing associated diseases, like every medical intervention, they may have potential side effects. Common adverse effects can include injection site reactions, increased blood pressure, and, in some rare cases, serious systemic complications. Monitoring and careful management are essential during the course of ANTIVEGF treatment.
