Bevacizumab in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, and has become a useful target for novel biological agents. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important angiogenesis regulators. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody recently approved in Europe and the USA for first- and second-line therapy (in combination with chemotherapy) for metastatic colorectal cancer. It has a proven impact on survival, as demonstrated in large Phase III clinical trials. Treatment with bevacizumab is generally well tolerated, with hypertension and arterial thromboembolic events being the main side effects. Currently, its role in the adjuvant setting, in combination with chemotherapy, is being evaluated in large Phase III clinical trials.
Caprioni
Francesco
F
Azienda Ospedaliera, Universitaria San Martino, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy. francesco.caprioni@hsanmartino.it
Fornarini
Giuseppe
G
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000187:drug effects
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab