Anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (Avastin) with 5FU/LV as third line treatment for colorectal cancer

To evaluate the activity and safety of bevacizumab when given with standard 5FU/leukovorin (LV) regimens in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have failed irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based treatments.

Bevacizumab was given at 5 mg/kg as an IV infusion every 2 weeks. Patients received 5FU according to Roswell Park or the de Gramont regimen.

Nineteen patients enrolled, median age 60, median PS: 1. Most common toxicity attributable to bevacizumab was mild hypertension, epistaxis and mild proteinuria; 1 patient had a CNS haemorrhage. The median number of cycles was 1 (8 weeks). Clinical benefit as disease stabilisation lasting 2-6 months was noted in 9 patients, whereas 10 progressed (median f/u: 5 months). TTP was 16 weeks, and the overall survival has not been reached (24+ weeks).

Bevacizumab may result in growth arrest and clinical benefit in a substantial proportion of patients with colorectal cancer and no alternative treatment.