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Targeted therapy of colorectal cancer: clinical experience with bevacizumab

Nishan H Fernando1, Herbert I Hurwitz

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology and Transplantation, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

The Oncologist
|June 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Bevacizumab, an antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, significantly improves outcomes for advanced colorectal cancer patients when added to chemotherapy. This targeted therapy offers a promising new treatment option with manageable side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical research

Background:

  • Advanced colorectal cancer presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
  • Systemic chemotherapy offers limited efficacy and potential side effects.
  • Targeted therapies, like anti-angiogenesis agents, show promise for improved tumor treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in treating metastatic colorectal cancer.
  • To assess the impact of bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Phase II clinical trials were conducted.
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin) was administered at 5 mg/kg in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin.
  • Objective response rate, time to disease progression, and median survival time were measured.

Main Results:

  • The combination therapy demonstrated a higher objective response rate (40% vs. 17%).
  • Time to disease progression was significantly longer (9.0 vs. 5.2 months).
  • Median survival time increased to 21.5 months from 13.8 months.
  • Hypertension and thrombosis were the main safety concerns but were manageable.

Conclusions:

  • Bevacizumab is an effective addition to chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.
  • Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor offers a viable therapeutic strategy.
  • Further clinical trials are ongoing to explore bevacizumab in various combinations.

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