Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Bevacizumab-Associated Renal Adverse Events Signal Better Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer: A Double-Edged Vascular
Cristina Riaza1,2, Marta Álvarez-Nadal1,2, Antonio Casado3
1Nephrology Department, San Carlos Clinical University Hospital, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain.
Key Points:
Renal adverse events occurred in 34.7% of patients with bevacizumab-treated ovarian cancer, with hypertension being the most frequent manifestation. Pre-existing hypertension was the only independent risk factor for developing renal adverse events during bevacizumab therapy. The occurrence of renal adverse events was independently associated with improved overall survival, suggesting effective vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibition.
Background:
Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor-A, is a cornerstone in ovarian cancer (OC). Bevacizumab is associated with renal adverse events, including hypertension (HTN), proteinuria, and AKI. The incidence, risk factors, and prognostic effect of these renal events remain poorly defined. This study aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and association with mortality of renal events in patients with OC treated with bevacizumab.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective single-center study including 147 patients with OC treated with bevacizumab between 2011 and 2023. Renal events were defined as new-onset or worsening HTN (grade ≥2), proteinuria (grade ≥2), and/or AKI, as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines.
Results:
Over a median follow-up of 52 months, 34.7% of patients developed a renal event, most commonly HTN (27.9%), followed by proteinuria (6.8%) and AKI (6.8%). Only a history of HTN was identified as an independent risk factor for renal event ( P = 0.0078). Importantly, patients with renal events had significantly longer survival compared with those who did not ( P = 0.0243). In the multivariate analysis, the occurrence of a renal event emerged as a protective factor against mortality.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, renal events occurred in 34.7% of bevacizumab-treated patients. HTN was a risk factor for renal event, but renal events seemed to be a protective factor against mortality. Rather than signaling harm, their presence may reflect effective Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibition and greater antitumor response. Routine monitoring and early nephrological management of HTN, proteinuria, and AKI are essential to optimize treatment continuity and outcomes.
Insights
Renal events like hypertension occurred in 34.7% of ovarian cancer patients treated with bevacizumab. These events, particularly hypertension, were linked to longer survival, suggesting effective cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bevacizumab, a VEGF-A inhibitor, is standard for ovarian cancer.
- Renal adverse events (hypertension, proteinuria, AKI) are known side effects.
- Data on incidence, risk factors, and mortality impact of these events are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of renal events in ovarian cancer patients receiving bevacizumab.
- To identify risk factors associated with these renal events.
- To evaluate the association between renal events and patient mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center study of 147 ovarian cancer patients treated with bevacizumab (2011-2023).
- Renal events defined per CTCAE v5.0 and KDIGO guidelines (hypertension, proteinuria, AKI grade ≥2).
Main Results:
- 34.7% of patients experienced renal events over a median 52-month follow-up.
- Hypertension was the most common event (27.9%).
- History of hypertension was the sole independent risk factor (p=0.0078).
- Patients with renal events had significantly longer survival (p=0.0243).
- Renal events were a protective factor against mortality in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Renal events affect over a third of bevacizumab-treated ovarian cancer patients.
- While hypertension is a risk factor, renal events may indicate effective VEGF inhibition and improved outcomes.
- Proactive monitoring and management of renal events are crucial for optimizing treatment and patient survival.
More Related Videos
05:56Demonstrating a Linear Relationship Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Luteinizing Hormone in Kidney Cortex Extracts
Published on: January 22, 2020
07:49Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
Published on: August 3, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
01:29Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH
01:27Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature
01:28Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity
01:09Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Drug Distribution and Drug Interactions
One important factor is the relationship between renal clearance and the apparent volume of distribution. Renal clearance tends to be inversely proportional to the apparent volume of distribution. Drugs with an extensive distribution volume or those...