AlternativeAvastin

Bevacizumab

Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody

Ovarian cancer maintenance — watch BP, proteinuria, perforation.

IV

First-line for

  • Advanced ovarian cancer (front-line + maintenance)
  • Recurrent platinum-sensitive / resistant ovarian cancer

Mechanism

Binds VEGF-A → prevents angiogenesis in tumour vasculature.

"BP-Proteinuria-Perforation"

  • Hypertension
  • Proteinuria — check pre-cycle
  • Rare bowel perforation, delayed wound healing

Dosing

Standard
15 mg/kg IV q3-weekly (7.5 mg/kg in some regimens)

Contraindications

  • AbsolutePregnancy, recent surgery (< 28 days), untreated CNS metastases with bleeding, severe uncontrolled HTN

Side effects

  • Hypertension
  • Proteinuria
  • Wound healing impairment
  • GI perforation (rare)
  • Thromboembolism

Fetal & maternal notes

  • Teratogenic in animals; contraception during and 6 months after

Key interactions

  • Sunitinib / other VEGF inhibitors

    Avoid

    Additive toxicity

Clinical pearls

  • 💡 Stop ≥ 28 days before elective surgery
  • 💡 Check urine protein/BP before each cycle

Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)

Spotted something out of date? See our disclaimer or use Report an Error above.

For educational use only

Not medical advice. Verify dosing against the BNF and your local trust guidelines before prescribing.