More evidence that the anticancer drug Avastin® may cause harm.

A review of patients enrolled in 16 clinical trials has revealed that the anti-angiogenesis drug bevacizumab (Avastin®) may actually increase the risk of death when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs.  In combination with taxanes or platinum containing drugs, bevacizumab was associated with a significantly higher risk of death from treatment side-effects.  The results indicate that the drug may have to be used with caution or not at all with these types of chemotherapy agents.