Avastin Approved as Second-Line Treatment for mCRC

Genentech announced that the FDA has expanded the use of Avastin (bevacizumab) in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based irinotecan or oxaliplatin chemotherapy as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) whose cancer has progressed on a first-line Avastin-containing regimen.

Avastin is an angiogenesis inhibitor designed to interfere with the tumor blood supply by directly binding to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein to prevent interactions with receptors on blood vessel cells.

The approval was based on positive results from the Phase 3 ML18147 study (n=820), which showed that the risk of death was reduced by 19% for patients who received Avastin in combination with standard chemotherapy in both the first- and second-line compared to those who received chemotherapy alone (HR=0.81, p=0.0057); median overall survival was 11.2 months vs. 9.8 months. Also, the risk of the cancer worsening or death (progression-free survival [PFS]) was reduced by 32% (HR=0.68, p<0.0001); median PFS was 5.7 months vs. 4.1 months. 

Avastin is already indicated in the treatment of advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in chemotherapy-naïve patients; metastatic kidney cancer in combination with interferon alfa; and glioblastoma in adult patients whose cancer has progressed after prior treatment.

For more information call (877) 428-2784 or visit www.avastin.com