Bevacizumab: in previously treated glioblastoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
• It inhibits angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth.
• Bevacizumab is approved for various cancers, including recurrent glioblastoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
• To assess progression-free survival and objective response rates.

Main Methods:

• Two prospective phase II trials were conducted.
• AVF3708g: Randomized, noncomparative, multicenter trial of bevacizumab alone or with irinotecan.
• NCI 06-C-0064E: Single-arm, single-center trial of bevacizumab after standard therapy.

Main Results:

• AVF3708g: 6-month progression-free survival was 42.6% (bevacizumab alone) and 50.3% (bevacizumab + irinotecan). Objective response rates were 28.2% and 37.8%, respectively.
• NCI 06-C-0064E: 6-month progression-free survival was 29%, with an overall response rate of 35%.
• These results were significantly higher than historical control data.

Conclusions:

• Bevacizumab demonstrated improved progression-free survival and objective response rates in recurrent glioblastoma.
• The drug was generally well-tolerated in both trials.
• Bevacizumab represents a viable treatment option for patients with recurrent glioblastoma.