bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). By sequestering VEGF-A, it prevents VEGF from binding to VEGF receptors on endothelial cells, reducing angiogenesis and thus tumor blood vessel formation. It is produced by Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, and is administered by intravenous infusion.

Bevacizumab is approved for several cancers, typically in combination with chemotherapy. Indications include metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. It has also been approved for certain gynecologic cancers such as cervical cancer. Dosing and treatment duration vary by cancer type and regimen.

Common adverse effects include hypertension, arterial thromboembolism, hemorrhage, wound healing impairment, proteinuria, and gastrointestinal perforation or fistula formation. It can impair wound healing and is generally avoided around major surgery. It may rarely cause posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Bevacizumab is contraindicated in pregnancy; it may cause fetal harm.

Bevacizumab was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for metastatic colorectal cancer and has since gained multiple approvals across tumor types. Biosimilar versions have been developed and approved in various regions. In ophthalmology, bevacizumab is used off-label as an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.