Bevacizumab in maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer patients

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Growth and extension of the tumor are associated with active neoangiogenesis regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab decreases VEGF activity and inhibits the tumor growth.Purpose of the study. The aim of the study was to evaluate results of bevacizumab in maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer.Materials and methods. 26 patients with ovarian cancer received maintenance therapy with drop infusions of bevacizumab 15 mg/kg once a day for 21 days in 2014–2019 after completing chemotherapy for relapses.Results. Bevacizumab mainterned partial response or stabilization in 76.9% of patients. The adverse events were mainly of grades 1–2 (in 88.5% of all adverse events) and could be managed by an appropriate medical correction. Hemorrhagic complications caused the cancellation of bevacizumab in one patient.Conclusions. Bevacizumab in maintenance therapy after completing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer relapses (both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant) significantly improves the treatment results. The toxicity profile of bevacizumab in maintenance treatment is acceptable.