Bevacizumab in the management of solid tumors

Abstract

Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vascular bed. By supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products in malignant tumors, it is an essential process that regulates cancer growth and dissemination. This process is regulated by both pro- and antiangiogenic compounds. Vascular endothelial growth factor is one of the most important and best-studied proangiogenic factors. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and is proving to be of clinical benefit in a variety of tumor types. The strongest evidence comes from studies in advanced colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancer, with growing evidence in breast and epithelial ovarian tumors. The duration and timing of bevacizumab’s use is currently the focus of several ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords::

• bevacizumab
• breast cancer
• colon cancer
• inhibitors of angiogenesis
• lung cancer
• ovarian cancer

Notes

5-FU: 5-fluorouracil; CA: Cancer antigen; LV: Leucovorin; NSCLC: Non-small-cell lung cancer; OC: Ovarian cancer; PR: Partial response; PS: Performance status.