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Treatment VEGF-Targeted

What is VEGF-targeted therapy?

• Cancer cells require a blood supply and other nutrients in order to grow. Cancer cells release certain molecules
which make blood vessels grow. One of those molecules is called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

• Medications that block the VEGF pathway can help stop cancer cells from growing.

Why this treatment?

• You and your doctor have reviewed the various treatment options for your type of cancer

• VEGF-targeted therapy (as a pill) is part of your treatment

• VEGF-targeted therapy has been shown in studies to reduce tumour size, reduce cancer symptoms, and extend
life in some patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

• Examples of VEGF-targeted medications include axitinib and sunitinib

What side effects can I expect from VEGF-targeted therapy?

• VEGF-targeted therapy is given to help to limit the growth of cancer cells. It will also affect some of the healthy cells in the
body. This may result in side effects.

• It is important that you tell your cancer care team about any side effects that you experience during your treatment.
Your cancer care team has many ways to manage these side effects.

• You can help your doctor to help you by keeping track of the side effects you experience in the diary section in
this booklet.

VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor

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