Bowel Perforation from Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Metastatic Colon Cancer: Incidence, Etiology, and Management

Abstract

Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a recently developed monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor that increases survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Bowel perforation is a known risk factor of unknown etiology associated with the use of Avastin. In this report, the incidence, risk factors, typical presentation, and management of patients with this complication is described.