Angiogenesis plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has been associated with the development of malignant ascites and tumor progression. Bevacizumab (Avastin(®); Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA), a humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, is the most widely studied antiangiogenesis agent across tumor types and specifically in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). With the recent reporting of four consecutive positive randomized trials adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy in the treatment of both front-line (GOG 218 and ICON7) and recurrent EOC ['platinum-resistant' (AURELIA Trial) or 'platinum-sensitive' (OCEANS Trial)], the most debatable question today is thus not IF we should treat ovarian cancer patients with bevacizumab, but WHEN. As bevacizumab is active in both settings, it seems appropriate to carefully consider this clinical controversy: 'what is the optimal setting for bevacizumab treatment?' A fine balance of efficacy, toxicity, quality of life, and symptom control is the main crux of this controversy. The cost effectiveness of bevacizumab in EOC is also controversial.
Keywords: antiangiogenesis; bevacizumab; controversies; front-line; ovarian cancer; recurrent disease.