About Avastin

What is Avastin?

Avastin (pronounced ah-va´-stin) is the first in an innovative class of drugs used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). It is called an anti-angiogenic agent, and it is different from other agents used to treat this type of cancer. Although Avastin is not chemotherapy, you will receive it at the same time that you get your chemotherapy treatment.*

Avastin has been approved by the FDA in combination with a specific type of chemotherapy (intravenous 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]-based chemotherapy)* for first- or second-line treatment of people with MCRC. Only your doctor can tell you if Avastin is right for your type of MCRC.

Avastin does have possible side effects. In clinical trials, some people receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy experienced serious side effects. To learn more about the possible side effects of Avastin, see Avastin Side Effects.

It's important to discuss treatment benefits and risks with your doctor and to have realistic expectations of Avastin therapy.

Diagram of the colon and rectum

Colorectal cancers begin as a small clump of cells that grows into the intestinal wall.
As the cancer grows, cancer cells break away and spread to other parts of the body.

  • *Treatment with Avastin must begin in combination with chemotherapy. However, if the chemotherapy must be changed or stopped, Avastin may be continued alone.

Next: How is Avastin Thought to Work?