Bevacizumab (BEV) plus chemotherapy (CT) continued beyond first progression in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) previously treated with BEV plus CT Results of a randomized phase III intergroup study (TML study)

SUMMARY:The ML18147 (TML) is a randomized phase III trial in which patients who received AVASTIN® (Bevacizumab) plus standard chemotherapy as initial treatment (first-line treatment) for their metastatic colorectal cancer were then randomized to either continue AVASTIN® with a different chemotherapy after their cancer progressed (second-line treatment) or receive the different chemotherapy regimen without AVASTIN®. Patient group continuing AVASTIN® as a part of second line treatment demonstrated an improved survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone, as second line treatment. This study has demonstrated that continuing AVASTIN® with second line chemotherapy post progression, extends survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Arnold D, Andre T, Bennouna J, et al. J Clin Oncol 30, 2012 (suppl; abstr CRA3503)