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vascular endothelial growth factor [also called VEGF]

(VASS-kyoo-lir en-do-THEE-lee-ul GROWTH FAK-tir)

A substance made by cells that causes new blood vessels to form.

Avastin (chemical name: bevacizumab) is a type of targeted therapy that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor. Read more about how Avastin works.

Audio contributed by: Al Roker

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