Early dissemination of bevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study

2011

Early Use of Bevacizumab for Colorectal Cancer

Sample size: 355 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zafar S Yousuf, Malin Jennifer L, Grambow Steven C, Abbott David H, Schrag Deborah, Kolimaga Jane T, Zullig Leah L, Weeks Jane C, Fouad Mona N, Ayanian John Z, Wallace Robert, Kahn Katherine L, Ganz Patricia A, Catalano Paul, West Dee W, Provenzale Dawn

Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center

Hypothesis

What is the initial dissemination pattern of bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment?

Conclusion

One-third of eligible metastatic colorectal cancer patients received first-line bevacizumab shortly after FDA approval.

Supporting Evidence

31% of patients received first-line bevacizumab in the two years after FDA approval.
Use rose sharply within 6 months after FDA approval, then plateaued.
Men were less likely than women to receive bevacizumab.
Patients ≥ 75 years were less likely to receive bevacizumab than patients < 55 years.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many people with advanced colorectal cancer got a new medicine called bevacizumab after it was approved. It found that only about one in three people who could have used it actually did.

Methodology

Patient surveys and medical records were analyzed for a cohort with metastatic colorectal cancer treated in multiple regions and health systems in the US.