In a nutshell
This study investigated whether bevacizumab (Avastin) therapy and surgery of the tumor can improve the outcomes of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers suggested that patients treated with bevacizumab have better outcomes when undergoing surgery.
Some background
CRC is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Around 25% of these patients present with advanced cancer at diagnosis. These patients have a limited survival, if inoperable. The survival of advanced CRC has been improved due to new therapies, such as bevacizumab. This drug stops tumor growth by blocking its blood supply. However, not all patients see these positive effects.
It is still not clear if patients treated with bevacizumab benefit more after surgery for advanced CRC.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed other 7 studies and included information about 2760 patients with advanced CRC. These patients received bevacizumab treatment with (group A) and without surgery (group B). Overall survival (OS; time from treatment to death by any cause) and progression-free survival (PFS; time from treatment to progression) were assessed.
Patients from group A had a 50% improvement in the odds of a better OS. When compared to patients who received chemotherapy, patients in group A had a 35% improvement in OS. Patients from group A also had an improvement of 35% in the odds of a better PFS compared to group B.
Patients from group B had a 22% improvement in OS and a 29% improvement in PFS when compared to chemotherapy alone.
The bottom line
This study concluded that patients with advanced CRC treated with bevacizumab and surgery have better OS and PFS outcomes.
The fine print
The studies analyzed had different protocols. This might affect the results.
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
Dec 30, 2019
