Antiangiogenesis: the fifth cancer treatment modality?
OBJECTIVE
To describe the biologic process of angiogenesis and the potential role of antiangiogenesis therapy in cancer treatment.


METHODS
Published articles, conference proceedings, and computerized databases.


RESULTS
Angiogenesis is the development of blood vessels. Antiangiogenic agents prevent the development of blood vessels, therefore preventing one mode of cancer metastasis. Clinical trials must be conducted to ascertain the most powerful antiangiogenic therapies. Trials combine chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiotherapy with antiangiogenic therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Information from animal studies has revealed that antiangiogenesis is a viable option in treating cancer and preventing metastasis. Although human studies are rare, preliminary results are promising, especially when antiangiogenesis is used in combination with current cancer treatment modalities.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses are in a unique position to teach patients about new treatments for cancer. Nurses must be knowledgeable about angiogenesis and the availability of potential antiangiogenesis agents. Nurses will be vital in collecting data in clinical trials, considering the subjective data that will be obtained.
Camp-Sorrell
Dawn
D
Central Alabama Oncology Associates, Alabaster, AL, USA. onpdawn@aol.com
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors