Scientists first? saw a? link between angiogenesis and the growth of cancer cells in the late 1930s.? In the 1970s,? Dr. Judah Folkman? introduced the? idea of? anti-angiogenic agents? or angiogenesis inhibitors as? possible tools in the fight against cancer.? He? believed that by blocking the growth of new blood vessels feeding tumors, he could stop the growth of tumors themselves.? ?

In the 1980s, researchers were able to? identify VEGF, the substance that? starts the growth of blood vessels.? This led to? the discovery of new? medicines and the? creation of anti-angiogenic agents.? Today, anti-angiogenic treatments are being used? for certain types of colorectal, kidney and stomach cancers.