Study Finds Blocking Angiogenesis Signaling From Inside a Cell May Lead to Serious Health Problems in Long Term; Study's 'Extremely Surprising' Outcome May Result in More Caution in Use of Cancer Drugs That Block Development of New Blood Supply.

Byline: UCLA

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (AScribe Newswire) -- Angiogenesis inhibitors that block a tumor's development of an independent blood supply have been touted as effective cancer fighters that result in fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. However, a new study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center showed that one method of blocking blood supply development could result in serious and potentially deadly side effects.

Several newly developed angiogenesis inhibitors work by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important signaling protein that spurs growth of new blood vessels. Avastin, an approved angiogenesis inhibitor for colon and lung cancers, inhibits angiogenesis by blocking VEGF signaling from outside of the cell. UCLA researchers wanted to know what …