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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 10/05/2006
  • Updated: 11/18/2011

Bevacizumab

listen 1  (beh-vuh-SIH-zoo-mab)

This page contains brief information about bevacizumab and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Avastin
FDA Approved: Yes

FDA Approval for Bevacizumab 2

Use in Cancer

Bevacizumab is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

Bevacizumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Bevacizumab

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 3 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Bevacizumab 4 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Targeted Cancer Therapies 5 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Combining Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab Improves Outcomes for Ovarian Cancer Patients 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: When Combined with Chemotherapy, Bevacizumab Is Associated with Increased Risk of Death 7 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Combining Targeted Drugs Is Worse in Colorectal Cancer 8 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Bevacizumab Benefits Some Patients With Advanced Kidney Cancer 9 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Bevacizumab Combined With Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Some Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer 10 - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

Bevacizumab Combined With Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer 11 - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

Bevacizumab May Increase Blood Clot Risk 12 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Bevacizumab 13 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
colorectal cancer (KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
glioblastoma (GLEE-oh-blas-TOH-muh)
A fast-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Glioblastoma usually occurs in adults and affects the brain more often than the spinal cord. Also called GBM, glioblastoma multiforme, and grade IV astrocytoma.
locally advanced cancer (LOH-kuh-lee ad-VANST KAN-ser)
Cancer that has spread from where it started to nearby tissue or lymph nodes.
non-small cell lung cancer (... sel lung KAN-ser)
A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer.
recurrent cancer (ree-KER-ent KAN-ser)
Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrence.
renal cell cancer (REE-nul sel KAN-ser)
The most common type of kidney cancer. It begins in the lining of the renal tubules in the kidney. The renal tubules filter the blood and produce urine. Also called hypernephroma, renal cell adenocarcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/707697.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-bevacizumab
3http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=43234
4http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607001.html
5http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/targeted
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/bevacizumab-ovarian06
11
7http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/bevacizumab-risk2011
8http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/combo-targeted0209
9http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/bevacizumab-kidney0607
10http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/AvastinLung
11http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/BevacizumabOxaliplatin
12http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_111808/page3
13http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=43234&idtype=1
14http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
15http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
16http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
17http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access