Bevacizumab for advanced breast cancer

Tumor angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. In breast cancer, increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated with poor prognosis in lymph nodepositive and lymph node-negative patients. In addition to its prognostic significance, VEGF is now a validated target in the treatment of breast cancer. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in several solid tumors. In this article the authors discuss the data pertaining to bevacizumab and other antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of patients who have advanced breast cancer.