The horizon of antiangiogenic therapy for colorectal cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in the growth and metastatic spread of cancer. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is the first commercially available VEGF inhibitor, earning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in February 2004. In combination with fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy, this agent significantly prolongs overall and progression-free survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This review details the emerging role of the drug, its unique side effects, and other practical considerations related to bevacizumab therapy. Ongoing trials attempting to define additional indications for bevacizumab as well as the development of other promising angiogenesis inhibitors are also reviewed.