title: Bevacizumab and first-line chemotherapy for older patients with advanced colorectal cancer: final results of a Community-based Observational Italian Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the efficacy and safety of combining first-line chemotherapy with bevacizumab in elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is supported by the results of a phase III trial, real-practice data are limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our multi-center, community-based observational study included 233 elderly patients with CRC (median age=73 years, range=70-84 years). Baseline comorbidities and geriatric evaluation were also analyzed. Pre-specified end-points of the study were safety, tolerability and outcome results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of both chemotherapy-induced and specific bevacizumab-related toxicities was low, and not influenced by baseline concurrent morbidities. Median progression free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were 9.9 months and 23.6 months, respectively. Fifty-six percent of patients received second-line chemotherapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The upfront treatment of older patients with CRC with chemotherapy and bevacizumab is safe and efficacious in a real-world setting. No un expected toxicities were reported. Multi-dimensional geriatric evaluation is under-used in clinical practice.
authors: Department of Oncology, University and General Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors: Stefania Eufemia
authors: SE
authors: Lutrino
authors: Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology-Institute of Research and Cure of Scientific Character (IOV-IRCSS), Padova, Italy.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Bergamo
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, University and General Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Schirripa
authors: Medical Oncology Unit, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy.
authors: Gerardo
authors: G
authors: Rosati
authors: Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation-Research and Cure of Scientific Character (IRCCS), Napoli, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Avallone
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of the Ancona United Hospitals-Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Giampieri
authors: Department of Oncology, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Cordio
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
authors: Massimiliano
authors: M
authors: Berretta
authors: Medical Oncology Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
authors: Fabiola Rojas
authors: FR
authors: Llimpe
authors: Department of Statistics University and General Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors: Federica Edith
authors: FE
authors: Pisa
authors: Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology-Institute of Research and Cure of Scientific Character (IOV-IRCSS), Padova, Italy.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Lonardi
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, University and General Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
authors: Fotios
authors: F
authors: Loupakis
authors: Department of Oncology, University and General Hospital, Udine, Italy.
authors: Gianpiero
authors: G
authors: Fasola
authors: Department of Oncology, University and General Hospital, Udine, Italy aprile.giuseppe@aoud.sanita.fvg.it.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Aprile
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil
keywords: advanced colorectal cancer; bevacizumab; italian study; older patients