A new study appearing in International Journal of Gynecological Cancer states that Avastin, a biologic anti-cancer agent that prevents tumor growth by interfering with the formation of new blood vessels, may have the potential to improve the efficacy of standard combination chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.
Studies have continued to investigate the activity of novel medications in combination with standard therapy to improve overall and disease-free survival in ovarian cancer patients.
Avastin has been studied clinically and was recently approved as a treatment for metastatic colon cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Currently, Avastin is also being studied as a treatment to improve patient survival rates for breast and kidney cancers.
Since Avastin has a unique mechanism of action and a favorable safety profile, the medication is not associated with unreasonable levels of toxicity. However, previous studies have reported that gastro-intestinal perforations and hypertension may be a consequence of treatment involving Avastin.
According to Dr. Bram Goldstein, co-author of the study, the results from their research suggest that the combination of Avastin and standard therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer may be promising, particularly with regard to safety and efficacy.
Source: Vol. 17 Issue 4 of International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.