Bevacizumab--current status and future directions

Abstract

Angiogenesis is crucial to tumour initiation, survival and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important pro-angiogenic factors in cancer development. Bevacizumab (a humanised monoclonal antibody against VEGF) has a reasonable safety profile and proven efficacy in a phase III trial in advanced colorectal cancer. Efficacy of Bevacizumab also looks promising in non small cell lung cancer, renal cancer and a variety of other solid tumours. Questions still surround optimal dosing and the appropriate selection of patients who are most likely to benefit. Future trials will address these questions and provide further translational insights.