Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab is an "anti-VEGF (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor A (Entrez protein) monoclonal antibody consisting of humanized murine antibody with antigen-binding, complementary-determining regions from murine VEGF".[1] In the United States, it is marketed as Avastin by Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche Laboratories as an antineoplastic agent.
Indications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it as indicated for: glioblastoma multiforme, metastatic breast carcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell cardinoma. Common unlabeled uses are in anaplastic astrocytoma and ovarian cardinoma. [2]
Postmarketing review
It had received accelerated approval based on the surrogate marker that it decreased tumor size. On 16 July 2010, the FDA announced "FDA reviewers said two follow-up studies recently submitted by Roche failed to show that Avastin significantly extended lives compared to chemotherapy alone Additionally, the FDA said that in follow-up studies the drug did not slow tumor growth to the same degree as in earlier studies. Patients taking Avastin showed significantly more side effects, including high blood pressure, fatigue and abnormal white blood cell levels." [3]
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Bevacizumab [Substance Name] (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Avastin IV: doses, uses and warnings, Medscape/American Society of Health System Pharmacists
- ↑ Matthew Perone (17 July 2010), FDA says breast cancer drug did not extend lives, Associated Press in Washington Post