Open AccessPractical Management of Bevacizumab‐Related Toxicities in Glioblastoma
Author(s) -
Brandes Alba A.,
Bartolotti Marco,
Tosoni Alicia,
Poggi Rosalba,
Franceschi Enrico
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0330
Subject(s) - bevacizumab , medicine , adverse effect , gastrointestinal perforation , glioblastoma , perforation , incidence (geometry) , oncology , intensive care medicine , toxicity , surgery , chemotherapy , cancer research , peritonitis , materials science , physics , optics , punching , metallurgy
Bevacizumab, currently an option for treatment of different types of tumors including glioblastoma, has a peculiar toxicity profile related to its antiangiogenic effect. Because some bevacizumab‐related adverse events can be life threatening, it is important to identify risk factors and to establish treatment protocols to minimize treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. In glioblastoma patients, the risk of developing certain side effects, such as gastrointestinal perforation, venous thromboembolism, and intracranial hemorrhages, is slightly higher than in patients treated with bevacizumab for other tumor types. We performed a systematic review of the side effects of bevacizumab and their incidence, causal mechanisms, and available treatments. Finally, we identified risk factors and proposed preventive and therapeutic measures for these adverse events.