Avastin in Cancer Therapy

Avastin is a medication used for cancer treatment, specifically in colorectal, lung, breast, kidney, and ovarian cancers.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available in oncology centers
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Avastin FAQ

How does Avastin work?

Avastin belongs to a class of medications called antiangiogenic agents. Bevacizumab works by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumors. This may slow the growth and spread of tumors. Avastin can make it easier for you to bleed. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop.

What is the active drug in Avastin?

The active drug in Avastin, called bevacizumab, is a monoclonal antibody. It’s a type of drug made from immune system cells. Monoclonal antibody drugs are a type of immunotherapy. Avastin is designed to seek out specific traits on cancer cells. And the drug works with your immune system to fight the cancer cells based on these traits.

Does Avastin treat cancer?

Avastin contains the active drug bevacizumab. It’s a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of drug made from immune system cells. Avastin is FDA-approved to treat the following cancers in adults in certain situations: certain forms of cancer that affect your fallopian tubes, ovaries, or peritoneum (lining inside your abdomen)

Is Avastin (bevacizumab) safe?

The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Learn about side effects, cost, and more for Avastin (bevacizumab), which is a prescription infusion that treats certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.

What is Avastin used for?

Avastin is also used for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer when cancer cells have specific mutations of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Avastin will be administered in combination with erlotinib. Avastin is also used for treatment of adult patients with advanced kidney cancer.

How do I report a side effect of bevacizumab (Avastin)?

You can report any side effect you have to the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority (MHRA) as part of their Yellow Card Scheme. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a targeted cancer drug. It is a treatment for a number of different cancer types. Find out how you have it, possible side effects and other important information.

Avastin References

If you want to know more about Avastin, consider exploring links below:

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