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FDA approves metastatic colorectal cancer drug

Case Management Weekly, March 3, 2004

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FDA approves metastatic colorectal cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration approved Avastin (bevacizumab) on February 26, 2004 as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Avastin, a monoclonal antibody, is the first product to be approved that works by preventing the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. In clinical trials, Avastin extended patients' lives by about five months when given intravenously as a combination treatment along with standard chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer (the "Saltz regimen" also known as IFL). IFL treatment includes ironotecan, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and leucovorin.

This new monoclonal antibody is believed to work by targeting and inhibiting the function of a natural protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that stimulates new blood vessel formation. When VEGF is targeted and bound to Avastin, it cannot stimulate the growth of blood vessels, thus denying tumors blood, oxygen, and other nutrients needed for growth. Angiogenesis inhibitors such as Avastin have been studied, first in the laboratory and then in patients, for three decades with the hope they might prevent the growth of cancer. This is the first such product that has been proven to delay tumor growth and more importantly, significantly extend the lives of patients.

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