Nursing Considerations of Bevacizumab Use in Multiple Tumor Types

Purpose/Objectives: To update information concerning the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab, discuss side effects, and provide information on nursing management of the side effects.

Data Sources: Published articles, abstracts, and research data.

Data Synthesis: In clinical trials, the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy increased survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced non-small cell lung cancer and increased progression-free survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Bevacizumab also is being evaluated in combination with other targeted agents in various tumor types. Commonly reported side effects associated with bevacizumab include hypertension, proteinuria, and minor bleeding.

Conclusions: The value of bevacizumab in treating metastatic colorectal cancer has long been established. Clinical trial data have demonstrated the benefit of using bevacizumab in combination with standard chemotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Because of bevacizumab's expanding role in cancer treatment, nurses need to know how to use it, be aware of possible side effects, and anticipate interventions.

Implications for Nursing: Nurses play an important role in the identification and management of adverse events associated with bevacizumab.