In a nutshell
This study investigated the risk of hemorrhage (blood loss) associated with bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer patients. Researchers reported that bevacizumab significantly increases the risk of hemorrhage.
Some background
The formation of new blood vessels is an important process for tumor growth and metastasis. Therapies such as bevacizumab that inhibit the formation of new blood vessels often increase the risk of blood loss (hemorrhage). This is a severe side effect that can lead to death. Prior studies suggested that bevacizumab increased the risk of blood loss in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. However, these studies were small and included a limited number of patients.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to determine the risk of hemorrhage in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab.
This study examined the results of 12 other studies including a total of 10,555 patients. The overall incidence and overall relative risk (ORR) of hemorrhage were determined.
The overall incidence of hemorrhage was 5.8%. The risk of hemorrhage associated with bevacizumab was dependent on the treatment dose. Bevacizumab at 2.5 mg/kg increased the risk by 73%. A dose of 5 mg/kg was associated with 4.67 times the risk of hemorrhage.
The risk of hemorrhage was also dependent on treatment duration. Bevacizumab treatment for less than 6 months was associated with 4.13 times the risk of hemorrhage. Treatment for 6 months or more was associated with a 43% increased risk.
The bottom line
This study showed that bevacizumab treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer significantly increased the risk of hemorrhage.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the risk of blood loss in the first 6 months of bevacizumab treatment.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Aug 01, 2016
