Drug Research to Deter Angiogenesis in Breast

Cancer

Bryan Schneider, Indianapolis

Drug Research to Deter Angiogenesis in Breast Cancer

An Indianapolis-based physician and associate director of the Indiana Institute for Personalized Medicine, Bryan Schneider, MD, also teaches and performs research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Named the Sheila D. Ward Scholar, he serves as an associate professor of medicine in the Divisions of Hematology/Oncology & Clinical Pharmacology, as well as the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. Breast cancer is his clinical area of interest, and he focuses on translational research. His current research in Indianapolis concentrates on polymorphisms of angiogenesis as it pertains to breast cancer. Bryan Schneider performs clinical trial research on antiangiogenic drugs such as bevacizumab.

Drug Research to Deter Angiogenesis in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer tumors develop when there is an adequate blood supply to form new capillaries. Angiogenesis refers to the process by which new capillary blood vessels grow from existing ones. Chemical signals in the body control the repair of damaged vessels or the formation of new ones. Other sets of signals, called angiogenesis inhibitors, discourage the growth of new blood vessels. When the body is functioning normally, these chemical signals operate in a balanced manner. Hence, blood vessel formation occurs only when necessary. However, when an individual has breast cancer, angiogensis proceeds from initial tumor growth through metastasis. Consequently, breast cancer researchers have developed new drug therapies that block the tumor blood supply based on the natural angiogenesis inhibitor process. These antiangiogenic therapies can stop or slow the growth of tumors.

Drug Research to Deter Angiogenesis in Breast Cancer

Antiangiogenic therapies hold promise for breast cancer patients. Unlike conventional chemotherapy drugs that destroy cancer cells directly, antiangiogenic drugs block essential oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Supplementing antiangiogenic therapies with conventional chemotherapy and radiation gives physicians an additional strategy against breast cancer. In this way, the odds for successful treatment outcomes are improved.