Bevacizumab in refractory higher-grade and atypical meningioma: the current state of affairs. (1st February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dasanu, Constantin A.; Alvarez-Argote, Juliana; Limonadi, Farhad M.; Codreanu, Ion
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on biological therapy. Volume 19:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01
• Subjects: Bevacizumab -- meningioma -- vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (VEGF/R) -- angiogenesis -- refractory; Gene therapy -- Periodicals; Protein drugs -- Periodicals; Peptide drugs -- Periodicals; Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1559292
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2598

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Historically, systemic agents had shown limited efficacy in meningioma, at the expense of significant pharmacologic and/or financial toxicity. As meningiomas are highly vascularized, they might derive benefit from antiangiogenic therapy. Areas covered : This review summarizes the literature regarding bevacizumab pharmacology, safety and efficacy in patients with refractory meningioma. We have searched PubMed/Medline database for pertinent articles published from inception to 1 September 2018. Expert commentary : Results of two prospective phase II trials, supported by several retrospective cohorts, suggest a clinical benefit for the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor bevacizumab in meningiomas refractory to surgery and radiation therapy. This agent has a tolerable toxicity profile and seems more effective in higher-grade histologies and atypical meningioma, although responses in low-grade meningiomas have also been documented. Our conclusions are restricted due to a small size and lack of control in the prospective trials as well as the retrospective design of other studies. Further study of bevacizumab in refractory higher-grade meningiomas seems warranted.