bevacizumab
Pronunciation: beh-vah-SIZ-uh-mab
Monoclonal antibody drug that inhibits blood vessel formation in tumors by targeting VEGF.
Full Definition
Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in tumors. By binding to VEGF, bevacizumab prevents it from interacting with its receptors on endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and potentially normalizing existing tumor vasculature. In gynecologic oncology, bevacizumab is used in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy or as maintenance therapy. The drug carries specific risks including bleeding, hypertension, and gastrointestinal perforation.
Usage
Usage note: Generic name bevacizumab is preferred over brand name Avastin in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient received six cycles of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab followed by bevacizumab maintenance." — Treatment summary
- "Bevacizumab was held due to grade 2 hypertension and evidence of bowel wall thickening." — Treatment modification note