Products
Bevacizumab is commercially available as a concentrate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Avastin). It was approved in many countries and in the United States in 2004 and in the EU in 2005. Biosimilars have been approved in some countries and also in many countries.
Structure and properties
Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody against VEGF with a molecular mass of approximately 149 kDa. It is composed of 214 amino acids and is produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Bevacizumab (ATC L01XC07) has antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and antitumor properties. It targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The antibody inhibits the binding of growth factor to its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 on the surface of endothelial cells. VEGF stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. Its inhibition reduces angiogenesis in tumors and slows tumor growth. The half-life is between 18 to 20 days.
Indications
- Metastatic colon or rectal cancer (colon cancer).
- Metastatic breast carcinoma (breast cancer).
- Advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, lung cancer).
- Advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
- Glioblastoma (brain tumor)
- Ovarian cancer (ovarian cancer)
- Cervical carcinoma (cervical cancer)
Off-label:
- Age-related wet macular degeneration (in the vitreous body of the eye) – no official approval.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Bevacizumab is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include hypertension, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
