An anti-angiogenic antibody
Bevacizumab
A targeted antibody that blocks tumour blood-vessel growth, given by drip by oncology teams for several cancers.
What is Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is a targeted cancer medicine (a monoclonal antibody) that works by cutting off the blood supply that tumours need to grow, an approach called anti-angiogenic. It is given by a specialist oncology team as a drip into a vein, often together with chemotherapy, for several cancers including bowel, ovarian, lung and others. Its particular side effects come from its effect on blood vessels: raised blood pressure, protein in the urine, bleeding, slower wound healing and, rarely, a hole in the bowel. Because it slows healing, it is spaced apart from surgery.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Bevacizumab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody, a laboratory-made protein that blocks a signal called VEGF, which tumours use to grow their own blood vessels. Tumours need a blood supply to keep growing, so blocking new vessel growth can help slow the cancer down, especially when combined with chemotherapy. It is used in several cancers, such as bowel, ovarian and lung cancer. It is not a tablet; it is given by oncology specialists as a drip into a vein. Brands include Avastin and the biosimilars Mvasi and Zirabev.
How it works
Cancers release a chemical signal called VEGF that encourages new blood vessels to grow towards the tumour and supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Bevacizumab mops up VEGF so this signal cannot reach the vessels, slowing the growth of the tumour's blood supply and helping to limit its growth. Because the same signal helps keep healthy blood vessels and tissues in good repair, blocking it can also raise blood pressure, affect the kidneys, slow wound healing and, rarely, weaken the bowel wall. This is why it is given carefully and spaced apart from operations.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various (originator and biosimilars).
A targeted cancer antibody used in the UK by oncology teams to slow the growth of blood vessels that feed certain cancers.
Practical use
How to take Bevacizumab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by your oncology team as a drip into a vein, often alongside chemotherapy; it is never taken as a tablet.
- Your blood pressure will be checked regularly and treated if it rises, and your urine will be tested for protein.
- Tell your team about any planned operation or dental surgery, as the medicine must be paused around surgery to allow healing.
- Report any wound that is not healing, or new bleeding, severe tummy pain or black or bloody stools, without delay.
- Attend all your appointments and blood tests, as treatment is planned and monitored over time.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Bevacizumab
Advantages
- Targets the blood supply tumours need, which can help slow several types of cancer.
- Works well alongside chemotherapy, adding a different way of tackling the cancer.
- Can be used across a range of cancers, including bowel, ovarian and lung cancer.
Disadvantages
- Can raise blood pressure and cause protein to leak into the urine, affecting the kidneys.
- Slows wound healing, so it must be spaced apart from surgery, and can cause bleeding.
- Rarely, it can cause a hole in the bowel, which is a serious emergency.
Practical use
Good to know
Bevacizumab's side effects mostly come from its effect on blood vessels and healing. Your blood pressure is checked regularly, as it can rise and may need treatment, and your urine is tested for protein because it can affect the kidneys. It can slow wound healing, so it is stopped for a period before and after any planned surgery, and you should tell your team about any cuts or wounds that are not healing. Less commonly it can cause bleeding or, rarely, a hole in the bowel, so report severe tummy pain, vomiting, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or any heavy bleeding straight away. It is usually given alongside chemotherapy as part of a planned course and is avoided in pregnancy.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It is paused around the time of surgery, as it can seriously slow wound healing.
- People with recent serious bleeding, uncontrolled high blood pressure or certain bowel problems may not be suitable.
- It is avoided in pregnancy because it can harm the developing baby, so effective contraception is advised.
Monitoring
- Regular blood pressure checks, with treatment started if it rises.
- Urine tests for protein to keep an eye on the kidneys.
- Watching for bleeding, poor wound healing and signs of bowel problems, with blood tests and scans.
Side effects
- Raised blood pressure and protein in the urine, which are monitored and managed.
- Slower wound healing, nosebleeds and other bleeding; tell your team about heavy or unusual bleeding.
- Tiredness, headache, and rarely a serious hole in the bowel causing severe tummy pain.
Key interactions
- Often given with chemotherapy as a planned combination rather than an accidental interaction.
- Combining it with blood-thinning medicines may add to the risk of bleeding, so your team weighs this up.
- Tell your team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners and blood-pressure treatments.
Available as: Given by oncology teams as a drip into a vein.
Answers
Bevacizumab: frequently asked questions
How does bevacizumab work?
It blocks a signal called VEGF that tumours use to grow their own blood vessels; cutting off this blood supply helps slow the cancer, especially alongside chemotherapy.
Why is my blood pressure being checked so often?
Bevacizumab can raise blood pressure because of its effect on blood vessels, so it is monitored regularly and treated if it goes up.
Why must it be stopped around surgery?
It slows wound healing, so it is paused for a period before and after any planned operation to let wounds heal properly.
What serious symptoms should I report straight away?
Tell your team urgently about severe tummy pain, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, any heavy bleeding or a wound that will not heal.
Is it used on its own?
It is usually given together with chemotherapy as part of a planned course, adding a different way of tackling the cancer by targeting its blood supply.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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