Avastin for soft-tissue sarcoma – pro
Drugs that block new blood vessel formation may help kill sarcomas by preventing their nourishment by the blood vessels. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of Avastin® (bevacizumab) to the chemotherapy agent Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) may slow cancer progression in patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas.
Bevacizumab (Avastin) has shown a small benefit in sarcoma patients, when given with doxorubicin and other drugs. One such combination is now in a clinical trial: Phase II Study of Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, and Bevacizumab in Sarcoma, NCT00755261. A recent (2006) TEC assessment concluded that Avastin is not supported by evidence for off-label treatment of soft -tissue sarcoma. It is not NCCN recommended.
D’Adamo D, Anderson S, Albritton K, et al. Phase II Study of Doxorubicin and Bevacizumab for Patients With Metastatic Soft-Tissue Sarcomas. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2005; 23: 7135-7142.
http://www.bcbs.com/blueresources/tec/vols/21/21_09.html
NCCN.ORG, Sarcoma