Melanoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Melanoma, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

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

Terheyden P, Hofmann MA, Weininger M, Bröcker EB, Becker JC

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 scrutinize these impressive therapeutic effects on the combination of bevacizumab and chemotherapy in melanoma.

Published 10 September 2007 in J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 133(11): 897-901.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Melanoma Research Today. All Rights Reserved.