Question

Role of anti-angiogenic agents in cervical cancer.

Hint:

Anti-angiogenic agents, particularly bevacizumab, are effective in treating advanced cervical cancer, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy.

Answer 1

Anti-angiogenic agents play a crucial role in the treatment of cervical cancer by targeting the blood vessels that supply the tumor, thereby inhibiting its growth and spread.
Step 1: Mechanism of Action:
1. Inhibition of VEGF Pathway: Anti-angiogenic agents, such as bevacizumab, target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key molecule that promotes blood vessel formation in tumors. By inhibiting VEGF, these agents prevent the formation of new blood vessels, thus limiting the tumor's ability to grow and metastasize.
2. Effect on Tumor Vasculature: Anti-angiogenic agents also normalize the abnormal tumor vasculature, which can improve the delivery of other therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to the tumor site.
Step 2: Clinical Evidence:
1. Combination with Chemotherapy: Studies have shown that combining anti-angiogenic agents with chemotherapy improves survival outcomes in patients with advanced cervical cancer, especially those who have not responded to previous treatments.
2. FDA Approval: Bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic agent, has been approved for use in cervical cancer as part of combination therapy with chemotherapy, further supporting its clinical role.