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Abstract
The VEGF-A binding monoclonal antibody bevacizumab is a widely prescribed angiogenesis inhibitor and indicated for many types of cancer. As shown by three randomized phase 3 trials recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, novel indications for this drug are still being explored. In the RTOG 0825 and AVAglio trials the effect of bevacizumab addition to standard therapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma (radiotherapy plus temozolomide) was investigated, while in GOG 240 the combination of platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab was explored in advanced cervical cancer.
In RTOG 0825, addition of bevacizumab to standard therapy did not result in survival benefit, and moreover, quality of life was more deteriorated in the bevacizumab arm. In AVAglio, however, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly increased in the bevacizumab group and these patients also experienced a longer deterioration-free survival. These conflicting results do not fully support the incorporation of bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of glioblastoma. In contrast, in GOG 240 the bevacizumab group (including paclitaxel plus topotecan or paclitaxel) experienced a significant longer PFS and overall survival, and quality of life was not negatively affected in these patients. Thus, these results favor the use of bevacizumab in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer.
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
Disclaimer
The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organization imply endorsement by the US government. The views in this manuscript are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect NIH policy. No official endorsement is intended nor should be inferred.