Abstract

Therapy with Angiogenesis Inhibitors (AIs) is a newer targeted approach in treating cancers. It gained popularity in the past decade because of better outcomes and fewer side effects when compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. These agents act by inhibiting the VEGF pathway and inhibit vasculogenesis, thus shutting off the nutrient supply to the continuously multiplying tumor cells. Growth of blood vessels is a dynamic process in the human body which is required for the various other processes throughout the human life. Thus, apart from their effects on tumor cells, AIs have a unique side effects profile which is quite different from the side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Thromboembolic Events (TES), both arterial and venous, are part of AIs side effects, which may be life threatening at times and should be diagnosed as soon as possible in patients who are on AI therapy. They need to be taken care of expeditiously to prevent more serious side effects. This review aims to enumerate the risk of TEs with each AI and the current recommendations to be followed in patients with history of TEs or in patients with TEs while on AI therapy. These recommendations will help to prevent more catastrophic events from occurring in these patients.

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