Angiogenesis inhibition with bevacizumab and the surgical management of colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Bevacizumab is an angiogenesis inhibitor and a new therapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor.


METHODS
This review is based on a literature search of Medline, Pubmed, ISI web of knowledge and other published work for original articles, reviews and abstracts relevant to the surgical management of colorectal cancer with bevacizumab.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined with current chemotherapy regimens, bevacizumab offers a significant survival advantage, making it likely to see widespread use. Despite being generally well tolerated, serious toxicities, including wound complications and gastrointestinal perforation, have been reported that affect surgical management. Consideration should be given to the timing of surgical and adjuvant intervention when using this drug.
Thornton
A D
AD
Department of Oncology, Royal Free and University College School of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
Ravn
P
P
Winslet
M
M
Chester
K
K
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015854:Up-Regulation; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab