Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
Safety of bevacizumab in patients younger than 4 years of age
N C Millan1, M J Poveda1, O Cruz1
1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu num 2, Esplugues del Llobregat, 08950, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Bevacizumab is safe and effective in young children under 4 years old. This study found similar outcomes and adverse events compared to older pediatric patients, with notable efficacy in specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Limited data exists on bevacizumab safety and efficacy in children under 4 years.
- Bevacizumab is an anti-angiogenic agent used in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab in pediatric patients under 4 years of age.
- To document adverse events associated with bevacizumab in this young population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 16 pediatric patients under 4 years old treated with bevacizumab.
- Patients had conditions including CNS tumors, vascular anomalies, and neuroblastoma.
- Bevacizumab was administered alone or with chemotherapy at a median dose of 9.25 mg/kg.
Main Results:
- Median age was 34.3 months; five patients were under 2 years old.
- Partial responses (19%) and clinical improvements (69%) were observed.
- Adverse events occurred in 37% of patients, similar to older pediatric populations.
- Highest efficacy was noted in patients with vascular malformations or low-grade CNS tumors.
Conclusions:
- Bevacizumab appears to be safe for the youngest pediatric patients.
- Outcomes and adverse event profiles are comparable to older pediatric patients.
Purpose:
Limited data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab in pediatric patients under the age of 4 years. Here, we report a large cohort of pediatric patients under 4 years of age treated with bevacizumab.
Methods:
The primary objective was to document adverse events with a possible relationship to bevacizumab. Patients (n = 16) were identified through retrospective chart review and harbored a variety of conditions (44% central nervous system (CNS) tumors, 31% vascular anomalies, 13% neuroblastoma, 12% other).
Results:
The median age was 34.3 months (range 4.9-47.3), including five patients <2 years of age. Patients received bevacizumab for a median duration of 6.2 months, alone or with chemotherapy, and a median dose of 9.25 mg/kg (range 7.0-11.8). Partial responses were seen in 19% of patients, and clinical improvements were seen in 69%. Adverse events known to be associated with bevacizumab occurred in 37%. Outcomes observed in this population resemble those reported for bevacizumab in older pediatric patients. The overall pattern and frequency of adverse events observed was similar to those seen in reports of older pediatric patients with a variety of conditions. The highest level of efficacy observed was seen among patients with vascular malformations or with low-grade CNS tumors.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the use of bevacizumab is safe for the youngest children.
More Related Videos
09:24Three-dimensional Angiogenesis Assay System using Co-culture Spheroids Formed by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: September 18, 2019
08:34Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:07Teratogenicity