Often used for:
Glioma, medulloblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, sarcoma, other solid tumors, radiation necrosis (after radiation directed to the brain)
What is bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. It helps slow the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors. Blocking the blood supply may keep tumors from growing or spreading. Bevacizumab is being studied for some cancers in children and is usually used with other medicines. The care team will check blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature during and after the infusion to watch for infusion-related side effects. Regular lab tests will check blood counts and monitor kidney and liver function.
Possible long-term or late effects
- Avascular necrosis
Possible side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems (such as protein in the urine or foamy urine)
- Poor wound healing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Low blood counts
- Bone, muscle, or joint pain
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry skin
- Change in nails
- Mouth sores or irritation
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Change in taste
- Change in voice
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Increase or decrease in tears
- Change in the normal menstrual cycle
- Cough, trouble breathing
- Increased blood sugar
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Infusion-related reactions: Symptoms may include chills, shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take bevacizumab will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tell the care team about any symptoms that develop during the infusion.
- This medicine can weaken the immune system. Wash hands often, keep patient areas clean, and avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Your child may bleed more easily, and wounds may heal more slowly. Use a soft toothbrush, an electric razor, and avoid activities that can cause injury.
- Tell the care team if the patient is sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment is complete.
- Watch for symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) such as confusion, decreased alertness, loss of vision, seizures, or severe headache and seek medical help right away.
