Breast cancer is characterized by rapid aberrant growth of tissue in the mammary glands. The speed of cancer growth is enabled by the rapid development of a robust vasculature to provide nutrients to the tumors. One relatively recent approach to mitigating cancer growth is to inhibit the development of the vasculature supplying blood to the tumor. One drug that has shown substantial success in this is bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech). Avastin targets a growth factor that signals for vascular development. By interfering with this signaling pathway this drug slows the growth of tumors, and has been shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of other chemotherapy drugs. The FDA has approved Avastin in combination with Paclitaxel (Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of breast cancer.
