Bevacizumab: current indications and future development for management of solid tumors

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is essential for cancer growth and metastasis. VEGF is a key modulator of angiogenesis and its overexpression is correlated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF mAb, is the most clinically advanced anti-angiogenic agent. Although bevacizumab has received most attention for first-line treatment of advanced colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancer, there is a rapidly growing body of evidence for its efficacy in treatment of a number of other solid tumors. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: We present the background, current status, and important ongoing trials involving the use of bevacizumab therapy. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab has an established role in the treatment of metastatic colon, breast, and lung cancer. Yet many questions remain on its use in other disease types and demographic groups.