One of the roles of proteins in the blood is to stimulate the growth of blood vessels. Besides functioning as a resistance protein and vascular cell multiplication. But what if this protein can support tumor growth?
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein that helps the process of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessel formation.
But apparently VEGF also has particularly important role in various diseases. "In particular, excessive VEGF are found in a variety of cancers in the human body, he played supporting tumor growth in different ways," said Dr. Dr. Aru W. Sudoyo, SpPD-KHOM, FACP.
It was mentioned by him in the event Roche Media Health Forum with the theme Discussions Regarding Targeted Therapy In Colorectal Cancer held at Shabu-Shabu Resto IMAE, lt. 5 Pacific Place Mall SCBD, J Gen. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 Jakarta written on Friday (05/04/2013).
Dr. Arya Wibitomo, MM MBA as Head of Medical Affairs PT Roche Indonesia, which is also present in the activity added that when VEGF is too much, it will cause the spread of wild blood vessels.
"The blood vessels that normally must be such as toll roads, but on the veins of cancer cells could be like the wild, messy. Through irregular blood vessels and is expanding rapidly spreading cancer occurs," said Dr. Arya.
In this case the role of VEGF is highly undesirable. He can stimulate tumor angiogenesis and inhibit new normal immune response against the tumor.
Therefore, doctors now have a strategy to inhibit its spread by providing anti-VEGF or anti-angiogenesis. Approach by providing monoclonal antibodies is done to inhibit tumor growth.
Dr. Aru then add a bit of information about the use of these drugs. "This drug is not sold haphazardly. Had the doctor's recommendation prior to chemotherapy to determine the required dose. And its use should be coupled with chemotherapy that is run by patients," said Dr. Aru.
In Indonesia today, Avastin, which is the trade name of the monoclonal antibody, has been approved for use. But not for all cancers, colorectal cancer, and devoted only breast cancer.