Storage
The kit is shipped at ambient temperature and should be stored at 2-8°C. Keep away from heat or direct sun light. The strips of microtiter plate is stable up to the expiry date of the kit in the broken, but tightly closed bag when stored at 2–8°C.
General Description
Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is a recombinant human IgG1:k monoclonal antibody specific for all human vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) isoforms. In 1997, the humanization of the murine anti-VEGF Mab A.4.6.1. was reported. Like its murine counterpart, bevacizumab binds to and neutralizes all human VEGF-A isoforms and bioactive proteolytic fragments, but not mouse or rat VEGF. However, bevacizumab was observed to inhibit the growth of human tumor cell lines in nude mice. In addition, studies have demonstrated that bevacizumab, in combination with chemotherapy, resulted in increased survival in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer relative to chemotherapy alone, leading to FDA approval of the first anti-angiogenic agent.
Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies and other VEGF inhibitors block the growth of several tumor cell lines in nude mice. Clinical trials with VEGF inhibitors in a variety of malignancies are ongoing. The humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, has been approved by the FDA as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy. Furthermore, VEGF is implicated in intraocular neovascularization associated with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The pharmacokinetic properties of bevacizumab in several species have been previously described and are consistent with a typical humanized monoclonal antibody.
In 1997, Phase I clinical trials with bevacizumab was initiated. These Phase I studies showed that the antibody as a single agent was relatively non-toxic and that adding it to standard chemotherapy regimens did not significantly exacerbate chemotherapyassociated toxicities. In 1998, several Phase II studies were initiated with bevacizumab in different tumor types, either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. bevacizumab was combined with Standard first-line chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer and stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer.
The potential clinical utility of VEGF inhibition in oncology is not limited to solid tumors. There is growing evidence that VEGF and VEGF receptors are expressed by a variety of leukemias and other hematologic malignancies, suggesting that inhibition of VEGF or VEGFR signaling may have a role in the treatment of such conditions. Several clinical trials are currently testing these hypotheses.
Although bevacizumab was generally well tolerated, but some serious and unusual toxicities were noted. Some open-label Phase I and II clinical trials had identified a number of adverse events, including thrombosis and bleeding as potential bevacizumab-related toxicities. In addition, most common adverse reactions are epistaxis, headache, hypertension, rhinitis, proteinuria, taste alteration, dry skin, rectal hemorrhage, lacrimation disorder, back pain and exfoliative dermatitis.
Bevacizumab is dosed and administered up to 15 mg/kg (Non- squamous non-small cell lung cancer: 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks with carboplatin/paclitaxel) in patients without evidence of doselimiting toxicities. However, in case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions or effects and appropriate treatment instituted immediately.
Bevacizumab is dosed and administered up to 15 mg/kg (Non- squamous non-small cell lung cancer: 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks with carboplatin/paclitaxel) in patients without evidence of doselimiting toxicities. However, in case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions or effects and appropriate treatment instituted immediately.
Serum through levels might be related to predict some clinical outcome during maintenance therapy. It was also possible that the surveillance of circulating concentration during maintenance therapy represents a direct and/or indirect factor for some other side effects. In this context, identification of biomarkers for (non-) response and risk factors for adverse drug reactions that might be related to serum drug levels and maintaining the effective minimum concentration in order to potentially avoid some side effects with a reliable method might be beneficial.
Datasheet