Bevacizumab in Metastatic, Recurrent, or Persistent Cervical Cancer: The BC Cancer Experience

Abstract

ObjectiveWe conducted a population-based analysis of patient outcomes following treatment with bevacizumab and platinum–based chemotherapy for metastatic, recurrent, or persistent cervical carcinoma.MethodsEligible cases were identified using the BC Cancer provincial pharmacy database. Cases with small cell component or inadequate clinical follow-up were excluded. Overall response to therapy, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were documented.ResultsTwenty-seven eligible cases were included with a median follow-up of 12.1 months. The median age at recurrence/metastatic diagnosis was 49 years (range, 27–83 years). Twenty-three of 27 women received carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab as first-line treatment, and 4 of 27 as second-line treatment. The median number of cycles of bevacizumab delivered was 5.5 (range, 1–21). The overall response rate was 44% (12/27), with 11% (3/27) complete response and 33% (9/27) partial response. Median PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 5.3 and 12.1 months, respectively. In first-line therapy, the median PFS and OS were 6.3 and 17.5 months, respectively. Common toxicities included anemia (grade 1/2) 73% (19/27), and the following grade 2 or greater: neutropenia 38% (n = 10) with 1 occurrence of febrile neutropenia, hypertension 30% (n = 8), and thrombosis 22% (n = 6). The fistula rate was 3.7% (n = 1).ConclusionsIn this population-based analysis, the combination of bevacizumab and platinum–based chemotherapy as first-line therapy for metastatic, recurrent, or persistent cervical carcinoma was safely delivered and had outcomes comparable to results from the GOG 240 phase III trial.