New antibody-based drug uses different mechanism to prevent tumors from developing a blood supply.

In order to grow, tumors need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. Without a blood supply to provide these, they can only grow to a small size. 'Successful' tumors have a way of making the body form new blood vessels via the process called angiogenesisThe formation of blood vessels. This process is required for a tumor to grow past a small size since the blood delivers nutrients to the cells in the tumor mass.. Blocking angiogenesis is the goal of many anti-cancer drugs. One method uses antibodiesAntibodies are proteins produced by a type of white blood cell (B cells or B lymphocytes). Antibodies are able to stick very tightly to specific targets. Antibodies are currently being used as anti-cancer drugs (i.e. Herceptin). to prevent a growth factorA substance that stimulates cell division. Growth factors are usually small proteins or steroid hormones. They may be secreted by the same cells on which they act or by cells that reside in a different part of the body than the target cells. Some examples of growth factors include estrogen, a growth factor for breast cells, and VEGF, a growth factor that causes the development of blood vessels. Several different anti-cancer treatments are designed to inhibit the activity of growth factors. (VEGFVascular endothelial growth factor; a growth factor secreted by cells in the bone marrow that promotes the development of blood vessels (angiogenesis), leading to the growth of tumors.) from sending signals through its receptor. Although effective at low concentrations of VEGF, the effectiveness of the antibodies decreases as the concentration of VEGF increases.

A new study has identified new antibodies that work in a different way.  The new antibodies prevent the formation of a functional landing pad (receptor) for VEGF.  Importantly, this new antibodyAntibody molecules tightly bind to their targets (usually proteins) with great specificity. Antibody binding alerts the immune system to target the bound molecule for destruction. Specific antibodies can be made in the laboratory. works with the older drugs to make them work better.