On safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage of bevacizumab in ROP treatment - a review

Acta Paediatr. 2011 Dec;100(12):1523-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02445.x. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

Off-label intravitreal use of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) increases despite lack of studies on safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage in developing individuals. Systemic absorption has been considered negligible. A literature search was performed with emphasis on potential adverse systemic effects in developing individuals.

Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab enters the general circulation, suppresses plasma VEGF levels and remains in the blood for more than 8 weeks in primates. Possible adverse effects on VEGF-dependent development must be considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / blood
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / blood
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Off-Label Use
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / drug therapy*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / administration & dosage
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / adverse effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab