Avastin
(bevacizumab)Dosage & Administration
Withhold for at least 28 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer Avastin for 28 days following major surgery and until adequate wound healing.
Metastatic colorectal cancer
First-line non–squamous non–small cell lung cancer
Recurrent glioblastoma
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma ( 2.5)
Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer
Stage III or IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer following initial surgical resection
Platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
Platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Administer as an intravenous infusion after dilution. See full Prescribing Information for preparation and administration instructions and dosage modifications for adverse reactions
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Avastin Prescribing Information
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Avastin, in combination with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-or second-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Avastin, in combination with fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan- or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, is indicated for the second-line treatment of patients with mCRC who have progressed on a first-line bevacizumab product-containing regimen.
Limitations of Use: Avastin is not indicated for adjuvant treatment of colon cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
First-Line Non-Squamous Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Avastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non–squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Recurrent Glioblastoma
Avastin is indicated for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) in adults.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Avastin, in combination with interferon alfa, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer
Avastin, in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and topotecan, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer.
Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Avastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by Avastin as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with stage III or IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer following initial surgical resection.
Avastin, in combination with paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or topotecan, is indicated for the treatment of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who received no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens.
Avastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, or with carboplatin and gemcitabine, followed by Avastin as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Avastin, in combination with atezolizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have not received prior systemic therapy.
Important Administration Information
Withhold for at least 28 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer Avastin until at least 28 days following major surgery and until adequate wound healing.
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
The recommended dosage when Avastin is administered in combination with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is:
- 5 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks in combination with bolus-IFL.
- 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks in combination with FOLFOX4.
- 5 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks or 7.5 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan- or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients who have progressed on a first-line bevacizumab product-containing regimen.
First-Line Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
Recurrent Glioblastoma
The recommended dosage is 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
The recommended dosage is 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks in combination with interferon alfa.
Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or in combination with paclitaxel and topotecan.
Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube or Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Stage III or IV Disease Following Initial Surgical Resection
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for up to 6 cycles, followed by Avastin 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks as a single agent for a total of up to 22 cycles or until disease progression, whichever occurs earlier.
Recurrent Disease
Platinum Resistant
The recommended dosage is 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks in combination with paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or topotecan (every week).
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with topotecan (every 3 weeks).
Platinum Sensitive
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for 6 to 8 cycles, followed by Avastin 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks as a single agent until disease progression.
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, in combination with carboplatin and gemcitabine for 6 to 10 cycles, followed by Avastin 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks as a single agent until disease progression.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The recommended dosage is 15 mg/kg intravenously after administration of 1,200 mg of atezolizumab intravenously on the same day, every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Refer to the Prescribing Information for atezolizumab prior to initiation for recommended dosage information.
Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
Table 1 describes dosage modifications for specific adverse reactions. No dose reductions for Avastin are recommended.
| Adverse Reaction | Severity | Dosage Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Perforations and Fistulae [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Wound Healing Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
| Withhold AVASTIN until adequate wound healing.The safety of resumption of AVASTIN after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. |
| Discontinue Avastin | |
| Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Withhold Avastin | |
| Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Discontinue Avastin | |
| Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Withhold Avastin if not controlled with medical management; resume once controlled | |
| Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Renal Injury and Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Withhold Avastin until proteinuria less than 2 grams per 24 hours | |
| Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. |
| Discontinue Avastin |
| Interrupt infusion; resume at a decreased rate of infusion after symptoms resolve | |
| Decrease infusion rate | |
| Congestive Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. | Any | Discontinue Avastin |
Preparation and Administration
Preparation
- Use appropriate aseptic technique.
- Use sterile needle and syringe to prepare Avastin.
- Visually inspect vial for particulate matter and discoloration prior to preparation for administration. Discard vial if solution is cloudy, discolored or contains particulate matter.
- Withdraw necessary amount of Avastin and dilute in a total volume of 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. DO NOT ADMINISTER OR MIX WITH DEXTROSE SOLUTION.
- Discard any unused portion left in a vial, as the product contains no preservatives.
- Diluted Avastin solution may be stored at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 8 hours, if not used immediately.
- No incompatibilities between Avastin and polyvinylchloride or polyolefin bags have been observed.
Administration
- Administer as an intravenous infusion.
- First infusion: Administer infusion over 90 minutes.
- Subsequent infusions: Administer second infusion over 60 minutes if first infusion is tolerated. Administer all subsequent infusions over 30 minutes if second infusion over 60 minutes is tolerated.
Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) or 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL) clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale brown solution in a single-dose vial.
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)], Avastin may cause fetal harm in pregnant women. Limited postmarketing reports describe cases of fetal malformations with use of Avastin in pregnancy; however, these reports are insufficient to determine drug-associated risks. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of bevacizumab to pregnant rabbits every 3 days during organogenesis at doses approximately 1 to 10 times the clinical dose of 10 mg/kg produced fetal resorptions, decreased maternal and fetal weight gain and multiple congenital malformations including corneal opacities and abnormal ossification of the skull and skeleton including limb and phalangeal defects (see Data). Furthermore, animal models link angiogenesis and VEGF and VEGFR2 to critical aspects of female reproduction, embryofetal development, and postnatal development. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Pregnant rabbits dosed with 10 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg bevacizumab (approximately 1 to 10 times the clinical dose of 10 mg/kg) every three days during the period of organogenesis (gestation day 6–18) exhibited decreases in maternal and fetal body weights and increased number of fetal resorptions. There were dose-related increases in the number of litters containing fetuses with any type of malformation (42% for the 0 mg/kg dose, 76% for the 30 mg/kg dose, and 95% for the 100 mg/kg dose) or fetal alterations (9% for the 0 mg/kg dose, 15% for the 30 mg/kg dose, and 61% for the 100 mg/kg dose). Skeletal deformities were observed at all dose levels, with some abnormalities including meningocele observed only at the 100 mg/kg dose level. Teratogenic effects included: reduced or irregular ossification in the skull, jaw, spine, ribs, tibia and bones of the paws; fontanel, rib and hindlimb deformities; corneal opacity; and absent hindlimb phalanges.
Lactation
Risk Summary
No data are available regarding the presence of bevacizumab in human milk, the effects on the breast fed infant, or the effects on milk production. Human IgG is present in human milk, but published data suggest that breast milk antibodies do not enter the neonatal and infant circulation in substantial amounts. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Avastin and for 6 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
Females
Avastin may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Avastin and for 6 months after the last dose.
Infertility
Females
Avastin increases the risk of ovarian failure and may impair fertility. Inform females of reproductive potential of the risk of ovarian failure prior to the first-dose of Avastin. Long-term effects of Avastin on fertility are not known.
In a clinical study of 179 premenopausal women randomized to receive chemotherapy with or without Avastin, the incidence of ovarian failure was higher in patients who received Avastin with chemotherapy (34%) compared to patients who received chemotherapy alone (2%). After discontinuing Avastin with chemotherapy, recovery of ovarian function occurred in 22% of these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of Avastin in pediatric patients have not been established.
In published literature reports, cases of non-mandibular osteonecrosis have been observed in patients under the age of 18 years who received Avastin. Avastin is not approved for use in patients under the age of 18 years.
Antitumor activity was not observed among eight pediatric patients with relapsed GBM who received bevacizumab and irinotecan. Addition of Avastin to standard of care did not result in improved event-free survival in pediatric patients enrolled in two randomized clinical studies, one in high grade glioma (n= 121) and one in metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma or non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (n= 154).
Based on the population pharmacokinetics analysis of data from 152 pediatric and young adult patients with cancer (7 months to 21 years of age), bevacizumab clearance normalized by body weight in pediatrics was comparable to that in adults.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Juvenile cynomolgus monkeys with open growth plates exhibited physeal dysplasia following 4 to 26 weeks exposure at 0.4 to 20 times the recommended human dose (based on mg/kg and exposure). The incidence and severity of physeal dysplasia were dose-related and were partially reversible upon cessation of treatment.
Geriatric Use
In an exploratory pooled analysis of 1745 patients from five randomized, controlled studies, 35% of patients were ≥ 65 years old. The overall incidence of ATE was increased in all patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy as compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone, regardless of age; however, the increase in the incidence of ATE was greater in patients ≥ 65 years (8% vs. 3%) as compared to patients < 65 years (2% vs. 1%) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
None.
Gastrointestinal Perforations and Fistulae
Serious, and sometimes fatal, gastrointestinal perforation occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving Avastin compared to patients receiving chemotherapy. The incidence ranged from 0.3% to 3% across clinical studies, with the highest incidence in patients with a history of prior pelvic radiation. Perforation can be complicated by intra-abdominal abscess, fistula formation, and the need for diverting ostomies. The majority of perforations occurred within 50 days of the first dose [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Serious fistulae (including, tracheoesophageal, bronchopleural, biliary, vaginal, renal and bladder sites) occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving Avastin compared to patients receiving chemotherapy. The incidence ranged from < 1% to 1.8% across clinical studies, with the highest incidence in patients with cervical cancer. The majority of fistulae occurred within 6 months of the first dose. Patients who develop a gastrointestinal vaginal fistula may also have a bowel obstruction and require surgical intervention, as well as a diverting ostomy.
Avoid Avastin in patients with ovarian cancer who have evidence of recto-sigmoid involvement by pelvic examination or bowel involvement on CT scan or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction. Discontinue in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula or any Grade 4 fistula. Discontinue in patients with fistula formation involving any internal organ.
Surgery and Wound Healing Complications
In a controlled clinical study in which Avastin was not administered within 28 days of major surgical procedures, the incidence of wound healing complications, including serious and fatal complications, was 15% in patients with mCRC who underwent surgery while receiving Avastin and 4% in patients who did not receive Avastin. In a controlled clinical study in patients with relapsed or recurrent GBM, the incidence of wound healing events was 5% in patients who received Avastin and 0.7% in patients who did not receive Avastin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
In patients who experience wound healing complications during Avastin treatment, withhold Avastin until adequate wound healing. Withhold for at least 28 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 28 days following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of AVASTIN after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].
Necrotizing fasciitis including fatal cases, has been reported in patients receiving Avastin, usually secondary to wound healing complications, gastrointestinal perforation or fistula formation. Discontinue Avastin in patients who develop necrotizing fasciitis.
Hemorrhage
Avastin can result in two distinct patterns of bleeding: minor hemorrhage, which is most commonly Grade 1 epistaxis, and serious hemorrhage, which in some cases has been fatal. Severe or fatal hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematemesis, CNS hemorrhage, epistaxis, and vaginal bleeding, occurred up to 5-fold more frequently in patients receiving Avastin compared to patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Across clinical studies, the incidence of Grades 3-5 hemorrhagic events ranged from 0.4% to 7% in patients receiving Avastin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Serious or fatal pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 31% of patients with squamous NSCLC and 4% of patients with non-squamous NSCLC receiving Avastin with chemotherapy compared to none of the patients receiving chemotherapy alone.
An evaluation for the presence of varices is recommended within 6 months of initiation of Avastin in patients with HCC. There is lack of clinical data to support the safety of Avastin in patients with variceal bleeding within 6 months prior to treatment, untreated or incompletely treated varices with bleeding, or high risk of bleeding because these patients were excluded from clinical trials of Avastin in HCC [see Clinical Studies (14.10)].
Do not administer Avastin to patients with recent history of hemoptysis of 1/2 teaspoon or more of red blood. Discontinue in patients who develop a Grades 3-4 hemorrhage.
Arterial Thromboembolic Events
Serious, sometimes fatal, arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) including cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attacks, myocardial infarction, and angina, occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving Avastin compared to patients receiving chemotherapy. Across clinical studies, the incidence of Grades 3-5 ATE was 5% in patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy compared to ≤2% in patients receiving chemotherapy alone; the highest incidence occurred in patients with GBM. The risk of developing ATE was increased in patients with a history of arterial thromboembolism, diabetes, or >65 years [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Discontinue in patients who develop a severe ATE. The safety of reinitiating Avastin after an ATE is resolved is not known.
Venous Thromboembolic Events
An increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) was observed across clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In Study GOG-0240, Grades 3-4 VTE occurred in 11% of patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy compared with 5% of patients receiving chemotherapy alone. In EORTC 26101, the incidence of Grades 3-4 VTE was 5% in patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy compared to 2% in patients receiving chemotherapy alone.
Discontinue Avastin in patients with a Grade 4 VTE, including pulmonary embolism.
Hypertension
Severe hypertension occurred at a higher incidence in patients receiving Avastin as compared to patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Across clinical studies, the incidence of Grades 3-4 hypertension ranged from 5% to 18%.
Monitor blood pressure every two to three weeks during treatment with Avastin. Treat with appropriate anti-hypertensive therapy and monitor blood pressure regularly. Continue to monitor blood pressure at regular intervals in patients with Avastin-induced or -exacerbated hypertension after discontinuing Avastin. Withhold Avastin in patients with severe hypertension that is not controlled with medical management; resume once controlled with medical management. Discontinue in patients who develop hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was reported in < 0.5% of patients across clinical studies. The onset of symptoms occurred from 16 hours to 1 year after the first dose. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness and other visual and neurologic disturbances. Mild to severe hypertension may be present. Magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of PRES.
Discontinue Avastin in patients who develop PRES. Symptoms usually resolve or improve within days after discontinuing Avastin, although some patients have experienced ongoing neurologic sequelae. The safety of reinitiating Avastin in patients who developed PRES is not known.
Renal Injury and Proteinuria
The incidence and severity of proteinuria was higher in patients receiving Avastin as compared to patients receiving chemotherapy. Grade 3 (defined as urine dipstick 4+ or > 3.5 grams of protein per 24 hours) to Grade 4 (defined as nephrotic syndrome) ranged from 0.7% to 7% in clinical studies. The overall incidence of proteinuria (all grades) was only adequately assessed in Study BO17705, in which the incidence was 20%. Median onset of proteinuria was 5.6 months (15 days to 37 months) after initiating Avastin. Median time to resolution was 6.1 months (95% CI: 2.8, 11.3). Proteinuria did not resolve in 40% of patients after median follow-up of 11.2 months and required discontinuation of Avastin in 30% of the patients who developed proteinuria [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
In an exploratory, pooled analysis of patients from seven randomized clinical studies, 5% of patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy experienced Grades 2-4 (defined as urine dipstick 2+ or greater or > 1 gram of protein per 24 hours or nephrotic syndrome) proteinuria. Grades 2-4 proteinuria resolved in 74% of patients. Avastin was reinitiated in 42% of patients. Of the 113 patients who reinitiated Avastin, 48% experienced a second episode of Grades 2-4 proteinuria.
Nephrotic syndrome occurred in < 1% of patients receiving Avastin across clinical studies, in some instances with fatal outcome. In a published case series, kidney biopsy of 6 patients with proteinuria showed findings consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. Results of a retrospective analysis of 5805 patients who received Avastin with chemotherapy and 3713 patients who received chemotherapy alone, showed higher rates of elevated serum creatinine levels (between 1.5 to 1.9 times baseline levels) in patients who received Avastin. Serum creatinine levels did not return to baseline in approximately one-third of patients who received Avastin.
Monitor proteinuria by dipstick urine analysis for the development or worsening of proteinuria with serial urinalyses during Avastin therapy. Patients with a 2+ or greater urine dipstick reading should undergo further assessment with a 24-hour urine collection. Withhold for proteinuria greater than or equal to 2 grams per 24 hours and resume when less than 2 grams per 24 hours. Discontinue in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.
Data from a postmarketing safety study showed poor correlation between UPCR (Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio) and 24-hour urine protein [Pearson Correlation 0.39 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.57)].
Infusion-Related Reactions
Infusion-related reactions reported across clinical studies and postmarketing experience include hypertension, hypertensive crises associated with neurologic signs and symptoms, wheezing, oxygen desaturation, Grade 3 hypersensitivity, anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions, chest pain, headaches, rigors, and diaphoresis. In clinical studies, infusion-related reactions with the first dose occurred in < 3% of patients and severe reactions occurred in 0.4% of patients.
Decrease the rate of infusion for mild, clinically insignificant infusion-related reactions. Interrupt the infusion in patients with clinically significant infusion-related reactions and consider resuming at a slower rate following resolution. Discontinue in patients who develop a severe infusion-related reaction and administer appropriate medical therapy (e.g., epinephrine, corticosteroids, intravenous antihistamines, bronchodilators and/or oxygen).
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, Avastin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Congenital malformations were observed with the administration of bevacizumab to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis every 3 days at a dose as low as a clinical dose of 10 mg/kg. Furthermore, animal models link angiogenesis and VEGF and VEGFR2 to critical aspects of female reproduction, embryo-fetal development, and postnatal development. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Avastin and for 6 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
Ovarian Failure
The incidence of ovarian failure was 34% vs. 2% in premenopausal women receiving Avastin with chemotherapy as compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone for adjuvant treatment of a solid tumor. After discontinuing Avastin, recovery of ovarian function at all time points during the post-treatment period was demonstrated in 22% of women receiving Avastin. Recovery of ovarian function is defined as resumption of menses, a positive serum β-HCG pregnancy test, or an FSH level < 30 mIU/mL during the post-treatment period. Long-term effects of Avastin on fertility are unknown. Inform females of reproductive potential of the risk of ovarian failure prior to initiating Avastin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Avastin is not indicated for use with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 left ventricular dysfunction was 1% in patients receiving Avastin compared to 0.6% of patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Among patients who received prior anthracycline treatment, the rate of CHF was 4% for patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy as compared to 0.6% for patients receiving chemotherapy alone.
In previously untreated patients with a hematological malignancy, the incidence of CHF and decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were increased in patients receiving Avastin with anthracycline-based chemotherapy compared to patients receiving placebo with the same chemotherapy regimen. The proportion of patients with a decline in LVEF from baseline of ≥ 20% or a decline from baseline of 10% to < 50%, was 10% in patients receiving Avastin with chemotherapy compared to 5% in patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Time to onset of left-ventricular dysfunction or CHF was 1 to 6 months after the first dose in at least 85% of the patients and was resolved in 62% of the patients who developed CHF in the Avastin arm compared to 82% in the placebo arm. Discontinue Avastin in patients who develop CHF.