Use of Bevacizumab in the Management of Potentially Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: Safety, Pathologic Assessment and Benefit

Abstract Liver metastases are a frequent and commonly lethal complication of colorectal cancer. Surgical resection of limited liver disease offers currently the best chance of long-term survival, but surgery is not feasible for a rather significant proportion of patients with hepatic metastases. Despite the overall improvement in the medical management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, whose median survival has been substantially prolonged with the availability of novel drugs, long-term outcomes remain rather poor if a combined onco-surgical strategy cannot be implemented. Nonetheless, newer chemotherapy schedules have become more frequently, rapidly and deeply active, improving hepatic lesions’ downsizing, hence extending the pool of patients amenable to secondary liver surgery. Here, we summarize available data on the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, as a conversion chemotherapeutic option in the management of patients with liver metastases.
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research