VEGF is a substance that promotes blood vessel growth in tumors. A VEGF antibody, like bevacizumab, can block this effect and reduce tumor growth. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal, unconjugated antibody used alongside chemotherapy. Antibody conjugation can create guided missiles for targeted cancer treatment. Companies can research, develop, and produce antibodies for therapeutic use.
VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, which is a substance that promotes the growth of blood vessels. An antibody is a special type of protein in the immune system, with receptors that attach to a specific harmful particle, or antigen. A VEGF antibody has receptors that bind to VEGF, preventing it from functioning normally. VEGF helps tumors grow by increasing their blood supply, and a VEGF antibody can be used to treat cancer by blocking this effect. The drug bevacizumab is a VEGF antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer.
In tumor growth, VEGF plays an important role by stimulating the development of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to tumors. The VEGF antibody bevacizumab binds to the part of VEGF that normally binds to receptors on the surfaces of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line blood vessels, and when VEGF binds to them, it triggers changes that cause them to multiply, eventually leading to the formation of new blood vessels. VEGF is prevented from binding to endothelial cells when a VEGF antibody is attached to its binding site, thus blood vessel growth is inhibited and tumor growth is reduced.
When a VEGF antibody, in the form of bevacizumab, is used to treat cancer, it is usually infused into a vein. Treatment can be given alongside chemotherapy, and doses are given at intervals of two to three weeks. Side effects can occur and these can include tiredness, nausea, diarrhea and increased blood pressure. Occasionally, patients experience an infusion reaction, with rash, fever, swelling, and wheezing, but this can often be treated simply by stopping the procedure.
The drug bevacizumab is an example of a monoclonal antibody, a single type of antibody that is commercially manufactured by an antibody manufacturing company. Monoclonal antibodies are produced by only one B cell line in the immune system, while polyclonal antibodies are the products of more than one type of B cell. Bevacizumab is also an example of an unconjugated antibody, which is not joined to another substance such as a drug, cancer destroying agent, or radioactive material.
Antibody conjugation is sometimes done by companies to create guided missiles, which consist of an antibody and a toxic material. The antibody delivers the destructive substance directly to a target such as a cancer cell, reducing its effect on healthy cells. Companies can research antibodies, develop them for therapeutic use, and carry out large-scale antibody production. Such antibody suppliers may offer a range of antibodies in an antibody catalog or may create customized products.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
