Blocking blood vessel development (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.) is an attractive way to treat cancer. Because the cancer cells themselves are not being targeted, there is less genetic instability in the targets. Despite this, drug resistance to anti-angiogenesis treatments is common. Researchers have identified a new proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. (and related fragment) that potently interferes with angiogenesis in in the laboratory and in animal models. The protein (FKBPL) works, in part, by interfering with the migration of blood vessel precursor cells. This is a different mechanism than the majority of anti-angiogenesis drugs, including Avastin®. The protein also worked well in combination with a chemotherapyTreatment of cancer patients with anticancer drugs. Commonly called 'chemo'. These drugs work by attacking cell growth or division. Often these agents are used in combination to take advantage of their different modes of attack on cell division. drug to kill cancer cells. The results suggest that attacking angiogenesis from several different directions may prove to be quite potent.
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