When you learn that you have cancer, you feel a lot of fear and shock. Then, when the doctors talk about the treatment, you hear a lot of new medications and new words that you don't understand. Sometimes, when you don't understand these things properly, your fear increases even more. Avastin is a slightly different drug used in cancer treatment . So today, let's talk about this drug called Avastin (Bevacizumab) in a simple way that you can understand.
First, let's see what Angiogenesis inhibitors this drug belongs to.
To understand this, let's use a simple example. Imagine a cancer cell tumor like a nasty weed growing in our garden. What does this weed need to grow and spread throughout the garden? It definitely needs water. Similarly, a cancer tumor also needs a blood supply to grow and spread to other parts of the body.
So this cancer is very cunning. It sends a “signal” to our body to get the blood it needs and grow new blood vessels . Just like that weed plant grows a new pipe system underground to bring water. Drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors stop the growth of these new blood vessels. That is, they block the “blood vessels” that go to the cancer. Then, when the blood supply is lost, the cancer cannot grow or spread.
So how does Avastin (Bevacizumab) work?
Avastin is a drug that belongs to the Angiogenesis inhibitor class we talked about above. To be precise, this is a drug in a special class called Monoclonal antibody .
Now you may be wondering what a monoclonal antibody is. Simply put, it is a synthetic protein that is specially made in a laboratory, similar to the antibodies that our body naturally produces to fight diseases. The special thing about this is that it does not affect all cells in the body like regular chemotherapy drugs, but only affects cancer cells in a targeted therapy .
Avastin targets VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)The molecule. We said earlier that the cancer sends a “signal” to make new blood vessels, and that signal is VEGF. What Avastin does is it attaches to this VEGF molecule and stops it from working. It’s like “turning off” the signal. When VEGF stops working, new blood vessels don’t form, and the cancer loses its nutrition.
Do I need chemotherapy if I take Avastin?
Yes, this is a problem for many people. Although Avastin is a targeted therapy, it does not work alone . It is like a supporting actor. The main actor of the story, which is chemotherapy, is still needed.
Chemotherapy is a powerful type of medicine that kills rapidly dividing cells (like cancer cells). Avastin works by helping chemotherapy.
But the best part is, when Avastin is combined with chemotherapy, the results of chemotherapy are even more successful. That is, when these two drugs are combined, the fight against cancer becomes even stronger. By reducing the blood supply to the tumor, the chemo drugs kill the cancer cells.
What types of cancer are treated with Avastin?
Avastin is approved for many types of cancer . However, it is not given for all cancers. Your doctor will decide if this medicine is right for you based on the type of cancer you have, its stage, and your overall health.
The table below shows some of the most common types of cancer for which Avastin is used.
| Cancer type | Important information |
|---|---|
| Colon or Rectal Cancer | It is most commonly used in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). It is usually given with chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or capecitabine (Xeloda) . |
| Lung Cancer | Used for some types of advanced lung cancer. |
| Kidney Cancer | Used for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. |
| Ovarian Cancer | It is used as a treatment for some cases of ovarian cancer. |
| Cervical Cancer | Used for cervical cancer that has recurred or spread. |
| Glioblastoma | This is a type of brain cancer, and this treatment can be given in cases of recurrence. |
Is Avastin not given for breast cancer?
Although Avastin was previously used to treat breast cancer, later studies confirmed that the risks of side effects outweighed the benefits of this drug. Therefore, institutions such as the FDA in the United States no longer approve the use of Avastin for breast cancer.
Can Avastin completely cure colon cancer?
No. Avastin is not a “magic” drug that will completely cure cancer . However, clinical trials have shown that this drug can significantly extend the life of patients . For example, some studies have found that patients who received Avastin with chemotherapy lived about 5 months longer than those who received chemotherapy alone. We know how precious this time is to someone fighting cancer.
What are the side effects of Avastin?
Like any powerful medicine, Avastin can have side effects. However, not everyone who takes it will experience these side effects . However, it is very important to be aware of this. This will help you recognize any symptoms and inform your doctor immediately.
Below are some of the serious and common side effects that may occur.
| Avastin side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | What to know about this |
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Gastrointestinal perforation | This is a very serious condition. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Surgery may be required. |
| Internal bleeding | This can lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke. |
| Delayed wound healing | The doctor is especially careful about administering this medicine before or after surgery. |
| Heart Failure | The risk is especially high when taken with other chemo drugs that affect the heart. |
| Kidney damage | Symptoms such as increased protein in the urine may occur. |
| Other common side effects (inform the doctor) | |
| High Blood Pressure | It is important to monitor blood pressure frequently during treatment. |
| Fatigue | This is also a common side effect of chemotherapy. |
| Blood clots in veins | Be aware of symptoms such as leg swelling and pain. |
| Diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, mouth sores | These are usually manageable side effects. |
| Blood in the urine | You should inform your doctor immediately if you notice this. |
The most important thing is, if you have any of these symptoms, don't just assume, "This is nothing." Notify your doctor or the appropriate department of the hospital where you are being treated immediately. The sooner you report it, the easier it will be to manage the condition.
Take-Home Message
- Avastin (Bevacizumab) is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. It is a targeted therapy that stops the formation of blood vessels that supply blood to cancer cells.
- This drug is not usually used alone. It is given together with chemotherapy to increase its effectiveness.
- This is only used for specific types of cancer, such as colon, lung, kidney, and ovarian.
- Because serious side effects can occur, it is imperative to immediately inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms during treatment.
- If you or a loved one has been prescribed Avastin as a cancer treatment, be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor . They will be able to provide you with the most accurate information.
Avastin, Bevacizumab, cancer, cancer treatment, chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitor, cancer medicine, side effects, pilika prathikara, anathuru abada, cancer treatment sinhala
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment