Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab in conjunction with chemotherapy in metastasising melanoma

Abstract

Purpose: The combination of the antiangiogenic antibody bevacizumab with standard chemotherapy has improved the prognosis in patients with metastastic colorectal cancer and other advanced cancers. The role of combined anti-VEGF and chemotherapy in metastastic melanoma is just starting to be elucidated. Methods: We tested this notion in three patients with advanced and therapy-refractory melanoma. Results: Interestingly, two patients achieved objective regressions after three courses of therapy; the third patient, albeit progressing demonstrated a pronounced liquid necrosis in bulky lymphnode metastasis. Conclusion: Further studies are warranted to scrutinise these impressive therapeutic effects on the combination of bevacizumab and chemotherapy in melanoma. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.