Avastin® (bevacizumab) is approved to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, or mCRC, for first- or second-line treatment in combination with intravenous fluorouracil–based chemotherapy. Avastin is also approved as a second-line treatment, when used with fluoropyrimidine-based (combined with irinotecan or oxaliplatin) chemotherapy, after cancer progresses following a first-line treatment containing bevacizumab.
Keep in mind that Avastin is not approved for use after surgery was used as the primary treatment in patients with colon cancer which has not spread to other parts of the body.
In clinical studies, Avastin was shown to extend the life of people with metastatic colorectal cancer when taken with IV 5-FU-based chemotherapy.
Studies have also shown that there are some serious side effects that may occur with Avastin.
In studies, when patients took Avastin and IV 5-FU-based chemotherapy* for first- or second-line treatment instead of chemotherapy alone:
Individual results may vary.
*IV 5-FU-based chemotherapy for first- and second-line treatment; Fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan- or fluropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy after cancer progresses following a first-line treatment containing bevacizumab.
†TML: First-through second-line treatment.
See the tables below for select side effects that increased by 2% or more in patients who added Avastin to IV 5-FU-based chemotherapy.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of Avastin. To learn about the possible side effects of taking Avastin, visit the Side Effects page.
If your initial chemotherapy treatment changes, continuing Avastin with a different chemotherapy may help extend the time you live without your tumor growing or spreading.
In a clinical study,‡ patients who continued on Avastin with this chemotherapy instead of chemotherapy alone:
Questions about Avastin treatment costs? Let us help you understand your financial assistance options.
Avastin is a tumor-starving therapy. Read more about how it's designed to work.
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