Bevacizumab in combination with fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan- or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for first-line and maintenance treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Despite a slight decrease in mortality rates, recent advances in screening methods, diagnosis and overall improved therapeutic options, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains among the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The major cause is the mortality related to metastatic status of CRC. Increasing clinical evidence derived from randomized trials strongly suggests that the efficacy of standard cytotoxic agents, including various combinations of 5-fluoouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV), capecitabine, irinotecan and oxaliplatin, may be significantly augmented with concomitant administration of molecular agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways, such as bevacizumab. Herein, we critically discuss the current data on the efficacy and safety profile of bevacizumab in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for first-line and maintenance treatment of metastatic CRC and briefly comment on existing controversies and future perspectives.
a Oncology Unit, 3rd Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital , Athens University School of Medicine , Athens , Greece.
Dimitra
D
Grapsa
a Oncology Unit, 3rd Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital , Athens University School of Medicine , Athens , Greece.
Konstantinos
K
Syrigos
a Oncology Unit, 3rd Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital , Athens University School of Medicine , Athens , Greece.
Muhammad Wasif
MW
Saif
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000069287:Capecitabine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000069287:Capecitabine; D000077146:Irinotecan; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D002166:Camptothecin
5-fluoouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV); Bevacizumab; colorectal cancer (CRC); irinotecan; oxaliplatin; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)