Angiogenesis Inhibitors / VEGF & mTOR inhibitors / Bevacizumab
Drugs that interfere with angiogenesis: BEVACIZUMAB
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humanized monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
- approved (in combination with 5-Fluorouracil) for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer (controversial),
- being investigated for use in many other cancers, particularly gliomas
- also approved for use in macular degeneration and diabetic neuropathy
- RANIBIZUMAB (which is promoted by the drug company as the preferred treatment) is a derivative of BEVACIZUMAB
- check out the Wikipedia discussion of the off-label use of BEVACIZUMAB and the impacts of RANIBIZUMAB choice (under Non-oncologic uses)!
- RANIBIZUMAB (which is promoted by the drug company as the preferred treatment) is a derivative of BEVACIZUMAB
- in addition to the side effects common to antibodies, BEVACIZUMAB can cause gastrointestinal perforation, wound dehiscence and hemoptysis, which can be fatal
- there is concern that BEVACIZUMAB treatment could worsen coronary or peripheral artery disease by preventing the sprouting of new vessels