Continuous Administration of Bevacizumab After Disease Progression in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background/aim: Chemotherapy with additional bevacizumab is the standard treatment for primary and recurrent ovarian cancer. We aimed to investigate the clinical utility and safety of bevacizumab when used in combination with chemotherapy after disease progression.

Patients and methods: This retrospective, observational study recruited patients treated for recurrent ovarian cancer from 2014 to 2016. We evaluated the effects of bevacizumab with chemotherapy in patients whose disease had progressed following treatment with bevacizumab. We assessed progression-free survival and adverse events.

Results: Thirty-three patients received post-progression treatment with bevacizumab. The median progression-free survival was 8.7 months (95% confidence interval=5.5-11). The progression-free survival was compared pre- and post-progression treatment, and was longer in platinum-resistant than platinum-sensitive cases after treatment (p=0.06). The most common non-hematological toxicity was proteinuria. The incidence of serious adverse events was low.

Conclusion: Continuous administration of bevacizumab may be beneficial for ovarian cancer patients after disease progression.

Keywords: Bevacizumab; continuous administration; disease progression; progression-free survival; recurrent ovarian cancer.