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Single-shot bevacizumab for cerebral radiation injury.
- Source :
-
BMC Neurology . 5/4/2021, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p1-7. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: Cerebral radiation injury, including subacute radiation reactions and later stage radiation necrosis, is a severe side effect of brain tumor radiotherapy. A protocol of four infusions of the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has been shown to be a highly effective treatment. However, bevacizumab is costly and can cause severe complications including thrombosis, bleeding and gastrointestinal perforations. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our clinic for cerebral radiation injury who received only a singular treatment with bevacizumab. Single-shot was defined as a singular administration of bevacizumab without a second administration during an interval of at least 6 weeks. Results: We identified 11 patients who had received a singular administration of bevacizumab to treat cerebral radiation injury. Prior radiation had been administered to treat gliomas (ten patients) or breast cancer brain metastases (one patient). 9 of 10 patients with available MRIs showed a marked reduction of edema at first follow-up. Discontinuation of Dexamethasone was possible in 6 patients and a significant dose reduction could be achieved in all other patients. One patient developed pulmonary artery embolism 2 months after bevacizumab administration. The median time to treatment failure of any cause was 3 months. Conclusions: Single-shot bevacizumab therefore has meaningful activity in cerebral radiation injury, but durable control is rarely achieved. In patients where a complete protocol of four infusions with bevacizumab is not feasible due to medical contraindications or lack of reimbursement, single-shot bevacizumab treatment may be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14712377
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- BMC Neurology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 150128209
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02103-0