Bevacizumab in Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer

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The phase III GOG-0213 clinical trial evaluated paclitaxel and carboplatin with or without bevacizumab in women with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy was given for a maximum of eight cycles, and bevacizumab was administered as maintenance therapy until disease progression. The primary endpoint of overall survival amounted to a 5-month difference between the two arms, says Robert L. Coleman, MD, although it was not statistically significant.

While the trial results did not achieve statistical significance, they are clinically meaningful, comments Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD. This clinical trial is the fifth study involving bevacizumab that has demonstrated activity with improved progression-free survival. With GOG-0213, there is a hint of a signal of improved overall survival, adds Secord.

It is important to discuss with patients who have platinum-sensitive disease the risks and benefits of using bevacizumab, says Secord, noting that these individuals usually do better than those with platinum-resistant disease. It is imperative that patients understand the potential adverse events and are willing to take the medication for the necessary duration.