Korean J Med.
2017 Jun;92(3):312-315. 10.3904/kjm.2017.92.3.312.
Bevacizumab-associated Ischemic Colitis Proven by Colonoscopy
- Affiliations
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- 1Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea. mdzara@ncc.re.kr
- KMID: 2410195
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2017.92.3.312
Abstract
- Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor widely used to treat several types of solid tumor. Although bevacizumab has fewer adverse effects than conventional chemotherapy agents, several serious events have been reported. Gastrointestinal perforation is an infrequent but potentially fatal side-effect of bevacizumab. The major mechanism of bevacizumab-associated gastrointestinal perforation is damage to the intestinal vasculature. However, preceding ischemic colitis is difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. We report a case of a 56-year-old male with bevacizumab-associated ischemic colitis proven by colonoscopy and pathologic findings. The patient's condition improved after general supportive care including bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and intravenous antibiotics. No similar event has been reported since he resumed chemotherapy without bevacizumab.
