Generic Name: bevacizumab
Other Market Name: Mvasi, Zirabev
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Genentech
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: Yes
Drug Indication
Avastin is a VEGF inhibitor approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, recurrent glioblastoma brain cancer, liver cancer, and ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Mvasi and Zirabev are biosimilar medications.
General Info
Avastin is a monoclonal antibody that works as an angiogenesis inhibitor. It blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that plays a role in development of blood vessels that supply tumors. Interfering with VEGF can starve and kill cancer cells.
Studies showed that Avastin plus chemotherapy improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival for people with metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and cervical cancer. Avastin extended PFS, but not overall survival, for people with glioblastoma, metastatic kidney cancer and ovarian cancer. It was also be used with chemotherapy as adjuvant (post-surgery) therapy to prevent ovarian cancer recurrence or spread. Avastin shrank tumors in people with advanced breast cancer but did not improve survival, and the FDA rescinded its approval for this indication. The IMbrave150 study showed that Avastin plus the checkpoint inhibitor Tecentriq (atezolizumab) slowed progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. Avastin was first approved in 2004.
Dosage
Dosing Info: Avastin is administered as an intravenous infusion, usually every two or three weeks.
Side Effects
Common side effects include high blood pressure, fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, mouth sores, decreased appetite and diarrhea. Avastin can cause depletion of white blood cells (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia), which can lead to infections and easy bleeding. Potential serious side effects may include blood clots, slow wound healing and bowel or bladder perforation or fistulas. Avastin should not be used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.avastin.com
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.avastin.com/patient/financial-resources.html
Last Reviewed: June 1, 2020
