Cancer Drug Ups Risk of Clots in Veins

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The authors analyzed 15 previously conducted studies involving a total of almost 8,000 patients with different types of advanced solid tumors.

Patients who took Avastin had a 33 percent increased risk of developing VTE, compared with controls. The risk was higher regardless of whether the individual was taking a low dose of Avastin or a high dose.

People with colon cancer had the highest risk of developing VTE (19 percent of patients). Almost 15 percent of those with non-small cell lung cancer, 7.3 percent of breast cancer patients, and 3 percent of those with kidney cancer developed VTE.

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"They were able to expand the sample size, and it looks like a significant increase in venous blood clots," said Dr. Alok Khorana, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. "Even though the event rate is not that high, it's still high enough that we need to exercise caution in using the drug. Patients need to be aware of the symptoms of blood clots -- swelling in the leg, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath -- and physicians need to be aware."

"It is a tough choice. Avastin is a very effective drug, no question about it. It certainly impacts on survival by a significant amount of time," said Khorana. "Even though this report is concerning, it doesn't make me stop wanting to use Avastin. It's more of an awareness issue, and making sure both patients and providers are aware of the side effect."

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on angiogenesis inhibitors.

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