Tumours need blood vessels sprouting into them when they become larger than a few millimetres, in order to get access to oxygen and nutritive substances to facilitate further growth. Aflibercept binds to circulating VEGFs and acts like a "VEGF trap". It thereby inhibits the activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor subtypes VEGF-A and VEGF-B, as well as to placental growth factor (PGF), inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels in the choriocapillaris or the tumour, respectively. The aim of the cancer treatment, so to speak, is to starve the tumour. Composition
Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-binding portions from the extracellular domains of human VEGF receptors 1 and 2, that are fused to the Fc portion of the human IgG1 immunoglobulin. History
Regeneron commenced clinical testing of aflibercept in cancer in 2001. In 2003, Regeneron signed a major deal with Aventis to develop aflibercept in the field of cancer. In 2004 Regeneron started testing the compound, locally delivered, in proliferative eye diseases, and in 2006 Regeneron and Bayer signed an agreement to develop the eye indications.
See also
Hypertension and brachydactyly syndrome
Thumb stiffness-brachydactyly-intellectual disability syndrome
Clubbed thumb
Syndactyly

References
External links

Type A2
Brachydactyly type A1 at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type A2 at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type A3 at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type A6 at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type A7 at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type B at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type C at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly type E at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases
Brachydactyly types B and E combined at NIHs Office of Rare Diseases