New and Emerging Treatments in Lung Cancer
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Avastin
Generic drug name: |
bevacizumab |
Brand/trade name: |
Avastin |
Manufactured by: |
Genentech, Inc. |
FDA approval: |
October 2006* as a first line (initial) treatment in combination with the chemotherapies carboplatin and paclitaxel for non-small cell lung cancer that is not squamous cell, not surgically removable, has advanced, or has returned (recurrent) |
Type of drug: |
Targeted therapy |
Overview:
Avastin is one of a new class of cancer treatments known as targeted therapies. Avastin is designed to cut off the flow of blood to the tumor (a process called anti-angiogenesis) and to target a substance that is known to help tumors grow (monoclonal antibody).
Clinical trials:
Avastin is currently being tested in a wide variety of clinical trials including use with other kinds of chemotherapies; use with other targeted treatments, in earlier stage non-small cell lung cancer; after surgical removal of lung tumors, for brain metastases; as a maintenance treatment, and for the treatment of small cell lung cancer.
Treatment Overview:
The initial dose of first-line Avastin is delivered through a vein over 90 minutes following chemotherapy. Treatment after that will likely take less time (30 to 60 minutes). Avastin is usually given every three weeks for 6 cycles.
Common side effects:
Avastin’s most common side effects include general weakness; pain/abdominal pain; vomiting; loss of appetite; tiredness, high blood pressure; infection; bleeding; diarrhea; and low levels of white blood cells.
Special warnings:
Avastin is not approved for the treatment of a type of non-small cell lung cancer called squamous cell. During the clinical trial phase, patients with squamous cell lung cancer were more likely to develop bleeding that was potentially fatal.
Avastin may result in gastrointestinal perforation (a hole that goes through the wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder), may complicate the healing of wounds, and may cause serious and sometimes fatal bleeding.
For more detailed information on treatment with Avastin and side effects:
* for results of the study that lead to FDA approval, see the New England Journal of Medicine http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/355/24/2542
