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Questions and Answers on
Avastin (bevacizumab)
-
What is Avastin
(Bevacizumab), and how does it work?
-
What are
monoclonal antibodies?
-
What are
angiogenesis inhibitors?
-
What is Avastin used
to treat?
-
Is
Avastin a cure for metastatic colorectal cancer?
-
How is
Avastin given?
-
What are the possible
side effects of Avastin?
-
Where can I find
more information on Avastin and colorectal cancer?
1. What is Avastin
(bevacizumab), and how does it work?
Avastin is a monoclonal antibody that works by attaching to and
inhibiting the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
in laboratory experiments. VEGF is a substance that binds to certain
cells to stimulate new blood vessel formation. When VEGF is bound
to Avastin, it cannot stimulate the formation and growth of new
blood vessels (angiogenesis). Avastin enhances the effects of
chemotherapy, but does not appear to be effective when given alone
in patients with colorectal cancer.
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2. What are
monoclonal antibodies?
Antibodies are substances produced by the immune system in response
to foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses or toxins). They
are the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection, as they
help to destroy these foreign substances. Monoclonal antibodies are
antibodies produced in a laboratory to target a very specific part
of the foreign substance (antigen). Because of their precision, it
is expected that they may be more effective than standard
chemotherapy with fewer side effects.
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3. What are angiogenesis
inhibitors?
Angiogenesis inhibitors prevent the formation of new blood vessels,
including those that surround and supply cancer cells, with the
oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and grow. By taking away
the blood supply, angiogenesis inhibitors may reduce tumor cell
growth and cause cancerous tumors to grow more slowly or to become
smaller.
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4. What is Avastin used to treat?
Avastin is used to treat cancer of the colon or rectum that has
spread to other parts of the body. Avastin is given along with the
chemotherapy combination known as IFL. IFL consists of irinotecan,
5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin.
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5. Is Avastin a cure for
metastatic colorectal cancer?
No, Avastin will not cure metastatic colorectal cancer. In clinical
trials there was longer survival and tumor control in patients who
received the combination of IFL plus Avastin than among those who
received IFL without Avastin. Overall, patients given Avastin
survived about five months longer. In addition, the average time
before tumors restarted growing or new tumors appeared was four
months longer than patients who did not receive Avastin.
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6. How is
Avastin given?
Avastin is given intravenously (into a vein) every 14 days.
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7.
What are the possible side effects of Avastin?
Serious side
effects include:
Other more common side effects of Avastin
treatment are:
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8. Where can I find
more information on Avastin and
colorectal cancer?
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Back to Avastin Info
Date created: February 26, 2004 |
