Top 3 New drugs Anti-Angiogenic Drugs. An anti-angiogenic drug is a drug that stops blood vessels from forming. This is important as many solid tumours have poor blood flow need to form extra blood vessels in order to continue to grow. Examples of this type of drug include, thalidomide and combrestatin both of which have been used in clinical trials. This is a particular range of drugs that have the ability to inhibit certain types of bone cells called osteoclasts.
Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption.
Bisphosphonates are used to treat both secondary bone cancers and multiple myeloma. Then, high-energy light in the form of a Laser is used to illuminate the area of the tumour, and this action converts the drug into a cell toxic compound. The illuminated cell subsequently dies. The patient must also avoid bright light for up to three weeks following treatment due to severe photosensitivity. Photodynamic therapy is increasingly being used for head and neck cancer, where the outcomes in terms of function and appearance is thought to be improved.