title: Nasal septum perforation and bevacizumab.
abstract: The use of targeted/biologic therapies is now commonplace in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The novel mode of action of these drugs has resulted in unpredictable and in some cases unexpected side effects. Given the widespread use of bevacizumab and its distinct mode of action, it is important that oncologists report any unexpected adverse events that may be associated with the drug. Herein, we report three cases of spontaneous nasal septum perforation secondary to bevacizumab. We hypothesize an etiology for this rare event and reasons why it is reasonable to rechallenge the patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Gastrointestinal Oncology Division, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. powerd@mskcc.org
authors.forename: Derek G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Power
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Kemeny
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000068258:Bevacizumab