Avastin^®

Working in combination with chemotherapy, Avastin^® is an innovative drug used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) as well as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Avastin^® is labeled as an anti-angiogenic agent and differs from other drugs used to treat MCRC and NSCLC. Anti-angiogenic agents may prevent the formation of new blood vessels which supply cancerous tumors with the oxygen and nutrients needed to grow. Avastin^® works to inhibit this process (known as angiogenesis).

While initial treatment with Avastin^® begins in combination with certain types of chemotherapy, it may be used as a standalone treatment if chemotherapy is altered or discontinued.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we work to educate you about all of your treatment options when helping to decide whether or not Avastin^® may be a good therapy for you.

To learn more about our integrative, whole-patient approach to cancer treatment, please chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist.

Avastin^® is used in combination with chemotherapy. As a result, patients undergoing Avastin^® treatment may experience common side effects of chemotherapy.

In addition, patients may experience other side effects more closely associated with Avastin^®.

Common side effects of Avastin^®:

• Nosebleeds Nosebleeds are generally minor and stop on their own by applying tissue to nose.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) Effects of Avastin^® on blood pressure are managed by use of standard oral medications.
• Neutropenia A reduction in white blood cell count, increasing the chance of infection.
• Proteinuria An abundance of protein in the urine - generally a symptom of kidney malfunction.

Serious side effects of Avastin^®:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Perforation Treatment with Avastin^® can result in severe bleeding or gastrointestinal perforation. In rare cases, Avastin^® treatment resulted in fatality from these events.
• Incomplete Wound Healing Avastin^® treatment can lead to slow or incomplete wound healing. In some cases, this side effect of Avastin^® has resulted in fatality.
• Hemorrhage Avastin^® treatment with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer has led to severe bleeding at the site of the tumor in some patients. This event resulted in fatality in rare cases.
• Additional Side Effects Additional side effects of Avastin^® include kidney malfunction, severe hypertension, blood clots, nervous system and visual disturbances, and in rare instances, congestive heart failure.

It is important to note that these are not all of the side effects associated with Avastin^® treatment.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we are committed to overcoming your cancer while improving your overall quality of life. Our unique approach to cancer treatment ensures you are informed of your treatment options, and are able to make educated decisions you are comfortable with.

Prior to Avastin^® treatment, your cancer doctors will discuss the potential side effects with you, and help determine if it is the right treatment option for you.

For patients with metastatic carcinoma of the rectum or colon, Avastin^® has been FDA approved for first- or second-line treatment in combination with intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy.

During your metastatic colorectal cancer treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer treatment specialists will determine if Avastin^® is the right treatment for your specific type of MCRC.

Used in combination with a certain type of chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel), Avastin^® is indicated for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, unresectable or metastatic non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer.

At our cancer hospitals, we use the most innovative and up-to-date treatment methods to improve your quality of life. Your cancer treatment specialists will ensure you have the information needed to fully understand your non-small cell lung cancer treatment options. They will help you determine if Avastin^® is the right option for you.