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Review
. 2011 Dec;100(12):1523-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02445.x. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

On safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage of bevacizumab in ROP treatment - a review

Anna-Lena Hård  1 , Ann Hellström
Affiliations
Free PMC article
Review

On safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage of bevacizumab in ROP treatment - a review

Anna-Lena Hård et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Dec.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Off-label intravitreal use of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) increases despite lack of studies on safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage in developing individuals. Systemic absorption has been considered negligible. A literature search was performed with emphasis on potential adverse systemic effects in developing individuals.

Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab enters the general circulation, suppresses plasma VEGF levels and remains in the blood for more than 8 weeks in primates. Possible adverse effects on VEGF-dependent development must be considered.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Bevacizumab concentrations in injected eye, uninjected eye and serum after intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg in one eye of adult cynomolgus macaques. From Miyake et al. (30) with the publisher‘s permission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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