Angiogenesis inhibitors: Nursing pharmacology

Angiogenesis inhibitors are medications mainly used to treat cancers like non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and recurrent glioblastoma. In addition, these medications can be used to treat macular degeneration.

The most commonly used angiogenesis inhibitor is bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody that’s administered intravenously for cancer treatment, and intravitreal for macular degeneration. Once administered, bevacizumab acts by binding to the protein human vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF for short, which helps promote angiogenesis, meaning the formation of new blood vessels throughout the body. So, bevacizumab inhibits the activity of VEGF, ultimately reducing the progression of cancer or macular degeneration.

Now, bevacizumab may often lead to side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, or syncope. In addition, some clients may present with injection-site infusion reactions or exfoliative dermatitis. Other common side effects include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Clients on bevacizumab may also develop heart failure, hypertension, and venous thromboembolism; as well as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and increased risk of infections. Additional side effects include dyspnea, epistaxis, hemoptysis, and vaginal bleeding. Finally, bevacizumab can potentially cause gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding, as well as wound dehiscence.