Gastrointestinal ulceration as a possible side effect of bevacizumab which may herald perforation

Invest New Drugs. 2008 Aug;26(4):393-7. doi: 10.1007/s10637-008-9125-4. Epub 2008 Mar 12.

Abstract

Chemotherapy plus bevacizumab is currently considered as the standard 1st line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). Whereas GI perforation is a known side effect of bevacizumab, the development of GI ulcers has not been reported. We identified 18 patients with ACC who participated in a phase III multicentre trial which included chemotherapy and bevacizumab, who developed a GI ulcer (n = 6), perforation (n = 8) or both (n = 4). The risk of developing a symptomatic GI ulcer or perforation was 1.3% and 1.6%, respectively. Central review of the histology specimens showed ulceration and/or granulation tissue with neovascularisation. The majority (89%) of events developed early during treatment. Given these observations, as well as the relationship between VEGF and mucosal injury healing, we suggest that GI ulcers may occur as a side effect of treatment with bevacizumab and may herald perforation.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / chemically induced*
  • Intestinal Perforation / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / chemically induced
  • Peptic Ulcer / chemically induced*
  • Peptic Ulcer / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Bevacizumab