What is Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer.
One of the key elements of cancer’s rapid growth is the blood supply. Bevacizumab hinders tumor’s ability to build new blood vessels and increase their supply of oxygen and nutrients.
It belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and shares similar challenges and advantages with other mAbs.
Doctors usually prescribe it together with other anti-tumor medications to boost the effect of chemotherapy.
What is it used for?
Bevacizumab is used to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Cancer of your bowel, which has spread to other organs (metastatic colorectal cancer)
- A particular type of lung cancer, called Non-small cellular lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Glioblastoma (a type of brain tumor)
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian and fallopian tube cancer
It is often prescribed when other treatments are not working effectively or as part of a combination therapy to improve patient outcomes.
How is Bevacizumab given?
Bevacizumab is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion directly into the bloodstream. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The infusion can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the dosage and patient tolerance. Typically, patients receive this treatment every two to three weeks.
How does it work?
Bevacizumab blocks a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
To grow rapidly, tumors need a lot of oxygen and nutrients. They release VEGF to build their “supply network” of blood vessels, redirecting resources from the normal tissues and organs. Scientists call this process tumor angiogenesis and it is a key process for cancer:
- To grow rapidly
- To grow expansively
- To spread to other organs and tissues (metastasis)
Bevacizumab helps to slow down tumor angiogenesis. For more on this issue, please read an article bevacizumab mechanism of action.
Side Effects of Bevacizumab
- When to seek a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:- Signs of internal bleeding (vomiting blood, black or bloody stools)
- Severe stomach pain or swelling
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden vision changes or severe headaches
- Unusual swelling or bruising
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Common side effects
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nosebleeds
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dry skin or rash
- Rare side effects
- Blood clots (which can lead to stroke or heart attack)
- Kidney problems (including protein in the urine)
- Perforations in the stomach or intestines (which can cause severe infections)
- Wound healing complications
- Serious infections or delayed recovery from surgery
Before taking Bevacizumab
Inform your doctor if you:
- Have high blood pressure or heart disease
- Have a history of bleeding disorders or blood clots
- Have recently undergone surgery or plan to have surgery
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Bevacizumab and pregnancy
Bevacizumab can harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception is advised during treatment and for a period after treatment ends.
What should I avoid while receiving Bevacizumab?
- Avoid activities that put you at an increased risk of bleeding or injury.
- Do not take aspirin, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), or blood thinners without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid pregnancy, as Bevacizumab may cause birth defects.
- Avoid surgery shortly before or after receiving Bevacizumab, as it may slow wound healing.
Brand names
Bevacizumab is commonly sold under the brand names:
- Avastin
- Mvasi
- Zirabev
- Alymsys
Similar medications
Another medications that block VEGF:
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza)
- Aflibercept (Zaltrap)
Drugs indicated for advanced stages of cancer:
- Sorafenib (Nexavar)
- Sunitinib (Sutent)
If you do not tolerate Bevacizumab or it doesn’t work for you, your doctor will identify potential alternatives. Always ask your doctor first before deciding to stop medication or make adjustments in your treatment.