Don’t use bevacizumab for its various oncologic indications.
Based on the most recent literature assessing the effectiveness of bevacizumab, the benefit expected from this agent for its various oncologic indications is in the order of a few weeks of survival gained. Since the cost of bevacizumab is high and its incremental benefit is small, the use of this agent for its oncologic indications should be discouraged with the exception of uterine cervix cancer. This recommendation is in line with the decisions made in the UK according to the suggestions released by NICE and Cancer Drug Fund.
Sources
1. Cancer Drug Fund decision summary. Indirizzo web: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/pe/cdf/cdf-drug-sum/#may15. Ultimo accesso: 27 ottobre 2015.
2. Goldstein DA, Chen Q, Ayer T, et al: First- and second-line bevacizumab in addition to chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: A United States–based cost-effectiveness analysis. J Clin Oncol 2015; 33: 1112-1118.
3. Hawkes N. Five cancer drugs back on NHS list after deals with drug companies. BMJ. 2015 Nov 5;351:h5985. 4. Messori A, De Rosa M, Fadda V, Pani L. Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Nov 10; 33(32): 3838-9.
Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.
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