VEGF Inhibitor: The Basics of Anti‑Angiogenic Therapy

When working with VEGF inhibitor, a class of drugs that block vascular endothelial growth factor to halt abnormal blood‑vessel growth. Also known as anti‑angiogenic agent, it plays a central role in treating cancers, eye disorders, and some inflammatory conditions. The target, angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, is essential for tumor nutrition and for the leaky vessels that cause wet macular degeneration. By interrupting this pathway, VEGF inhibitors can shrink tumors, slow disease progression, and preserve vision.

Key Types and How They Differ

There are two main families of VEGF inhibitors. First, monoclonal antibodies, protein‑based drugs that bind directly to VEGF molecules—bevacizumab and ranibizumab are classic examples. These antibodies act like a lock, preventing VEGF from attaching to its receptors on cell surfaces. Second, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, small‑molecule pills that block the intracellular signaling cascade triggered by VEGF receptors such as pazopanib and sunitinib. While antibodies neutralize the ligand outside the cell, TKIs shut down the signal inside the cell. Both approaches achieve the same goal—reducing blood‑vessel growth—but they differ in administration, side‑effect profiles, and the diseases they target.

VEGF inhibition isn’t limited to oncology. In ophthalmology, monthly injections of anti‑VEGF antibodies stop the leaking vessels that cause vision loss in wet age‑related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In renal‑cell carcinoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, adding a VEGF inhibitor to chemotherapy improves survival rates. However, the therapy comes with trade‑offs: hypertension, proteinuria, and wound‑healing delays are common, and patients need regular monitoring. Below you’ll find articles that break down specific drugs, compare costs, explain how to spot reputable online pharmacies, and give practical tips on managing side effects. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or health professional, the collection ahead offers concise, actionable information on VEGF inhibitors and the conditions they treat.