G.2.
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Angiogenesis is a normal
physiological process related to the growth of new blood vessels from
pre-existing vessels. Angiogenesis can be stimulated as a result of tumor
growth. Therefore, modulating the abnormally high angiogenesis has become a
strategy for anticancer research after Judah Folkman proposed the theory in
1971.
Bevacizumab is the first approved
angiogenesis inhibitor in the U.S. It
is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by blocking
vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).
Bevacizumab, in combination with
intravenous 5-FU–based chemotherapy, was approved by the FDA for first- or
second-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in 2004. It
was subsequently approved for lung cancer (2006) and breast cancer (2008).
Major side effects of bevacizumab
includes hypertension, surgery wound healing problem, higher risk of bleeding,
thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal perforation, and nasal septum perforation.
Other common side effects include lower white blood cell (WBC) count, vomiting,
constipation, diarrhea, and hair loss.
© Jiajiu Shaw, 2019
Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.
