Study analyses role of Avastin (Roche/Genentech) in Colorectal Cancer - 29-Oct-2012

A recent paper that analysed the E2300 registration study of Avastin( bevacizumab) from Roche/Genentech, for Colorectal Cancer shows why Avastin has such an unpredictable effect. At least half of colorectal cancer patients, according to the study, who are given the drug derive no benefit. Patients with low levels of the VEGF 165b variant demonstrate both progression free survival and overall survival with Avastin but patients with high levels of VEGF 165b do not.

Roche stated that results from larger, prospective trials will be required before any conclusions are drawn. Roche also commented that large randomized controlled study (MERIDIAN) was taking place in order prospectively to validate VEGF-A as a predictive marker for Avastin.

see "Predictive Biomarkers and Personalized Medicine Association between VEGF Splice Isoforms and Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Bevacizumab"- David O. Bates et al.Clin Cancer Res Published Online First October 25, 2012; doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-12-2223