Successful therapy with bevacizumab in a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2015;11(3):680-1. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1011960.

Abstract

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), genetic disorder manifested by uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis with epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is often related with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, reduces epistaxis, telangiectasias, and iron-deficiency anaemia. A case of a female patient with HHT and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is presented. The patient required iron supplementation and multiple blood transfusions. Bevacizumab brought marked symptomatic improvement and allowed for transfusion-independence. It is intended to apply for approval of the indications for bevacizumab administration in HHT as the 'orphan drug'.

Keywords: arteriovenosous malformations; bevacizumab; dosing; epistaxis; hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iron / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Bevacizumab
  • Iron