Copyright
©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2013; 19(31): 5051-5060
Published online Aug 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i31.5051
Published online Aug 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i31.5051
Role of bevacizumab in colorectal cancer growth and its adverse effects: A review
Efstathios T Pavlidis, Theodoros E Pavlidis, Second Surgical Propedeutic Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
Author contributions: Pavlidis TE designed the research, contributed to the new reagents and analytic tools and analyzed the data; Pavlidis ET performed the research and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Theodoros E Pavlidis, MD, PhD, Professor, Second Surgical Propedeutic Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece. pavlidth@med.auth.gr
Telephone: +30-2310-992861 Fax: +30-2310-992932
Received: May 29, 2013
Revised: July 7, 2013
Accepted: July 19, 2013
Published online: August 21, 2013
Processing time: 82 Days and 17.7 Hours
Revised: July 7, 2013
Accepted: July 19, 2013
Published online: August 21, 2013
Processing time: 82 Days and 17.7 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Modern targeted therapy with anti-angiogenic agents is based on inhibition of angiogenesis, as the formation of new vessels is crucial for the growth and metastasis of malignant cells. Recent studies on the biological agent, bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor activity, have shown improved outcome in advanced colorectal cancer. The combination of irinotecan, capecitabine and bevacizumab is currently the most frequently used regime in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with improved response rates. However, the rare side-effects of bevacizumab should always be considered.