Nursing considerations of bevacizumab use in multiple tumor types.
OBJECTIVE
To update information concerning the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab, discuss side effects, and provide information on nursing management of the side effects.


METHODS
Published articles, abstracts, and research data.


RESULTS
In clinical trials, the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy increased survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced non-small cell lung cancer and increased progression-free survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Bevacizumab also is being evaluated in combination with other targeted agents in various tumor types. Commonly reported side effects associated with bevacizumab include hypertension, proteinuria, and minor bleeding.


CONCLUSIONS
The value of bevacizumab in treating metastatic colorectal cancer has long been established. Clinical trial data have demonstrated the benefit of using bevacizumab in combination with standard chemotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Because of bevacizumab's expanding role in cancer treatment, nurses need to know how to use it, be aware of possible side effects, and anticipate interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses play an important role in the identification and management of adverse events associated with bevacizumab.
Gobel
Barbara Holmes
BH
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA. bgobel@nmh.org
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000451:nursing; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab