Another new monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab has recently completed Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and acts to inhibit tumour angiogenesis (process of diverting nutrients to the tumour).
The randomised Phase III trial was coordinated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group to compare the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab as first line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. 722 patients were recruited between December 2001 and May 2004 and were divided into two groups receiving either paclitaxel alone or the combination of paclitaxel and bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).
The results were positive and indicated that the combination of paclitaxel and bevacizumab improved overall survival of patients than receiving paclitaxel alone (no final data available yet). Importantly the progression-free survival was improved with combination therapy, 10.97 months vs 6.11 months for paclitaxel alone. In addition, the investigators noted that combination therapy did not cause significant toxicity effects.
Speaking at ECCO 13, Dr Kathy Miller from the Indiana University Cancer Centre, USA, commented, "This is the first study to confirm the benefit of anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with breast cancer. Importantly, the improvements in response rate and progression-free survival were obtained with minimal increase in side effects. Given the benefit of bevacizumab in patients with metastatic disease, we look forward to initiating trials in the adjuvant setting."
http://www.toniclc.com
The above trial was for first-line therapy of MBC--you certainly do not fit that prescription.
I think Mark Pegram of UCLA is running a trial of Herceptin and Avastin. I am not
certain of the requirements to enter his trial, but there is a link on this website to UCLA clinical trials.
There may also be a trial of Ipimipazab ( will get the real name and add it to the post later) at the NIH and other sites, I believe. Again, I do not know the entry requirements.
Where are you located? How hormone positive was your tumor (not just the percentage positive, but a quantitative measurement of how MANY hormone receptors you have on your breast cancer cells)?
Lots of food for thought!
Good luck,
Lani