Colon Cancer: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

The colon, or large intestine, is a long, hollow tube at the end of the digestive tract which is located in the abdomen. It acts as a waste processor, taking digested food in the form of solid waste and pushing it out of the body through the rectum and anus. The lining of the colon is a prime location for the development and growth of small polyps or tumors. Polyps are often benign, or non-cancerous. However, the colon can also contain malignant, or cancerous tumors. Tumor cells need nutrients to grow, which they can get from nearby blood vessels. The cells create a chemical called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that tells the body to create new blood vessels in the area. This process is called angiogenesis. With a sufficient blood supply, the cells can continue to grow uncontrollably. They will also break off from the tumor and travel in the blood stream to spread to other areas of the body. This is called metastasis. Using diagnostic images your doctor can scan your body to see if cancer has metastasized. This means cancer has spread to other parts of your body and is beginning to replicate there. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody, is a drug that can stop the growth and spread of tumor cells. The drug binds to the VEGF that the tumor cells create. Once bound, the chemical can no longer stimulate blood vessels growth and reduces the amount of blood vessels that are there. Without a blood supply, the tumor will not be able to grow. Your doctor will be able to scan your body to see the improvement.