A Study of Avastin (Bevacizumab) and Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) Treatment in Patients With Liver Cancer

A Phase II Single Arm, Multi-centre Study of Bevacizumab (Avastin®) Pre- and Post-transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) Treatment for Localized Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

This single-arm, open-label study assessed the efficacy and safety of Avastin (bevacizumab) treatment combined with transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) in patients with localized unresectable liver cancer. Patients were treated with TACE at 8 or 10 week intervals for 4 sessions (continuation depended on investigator's discretion). Avastin 5 mg/kg intravenously was administered 24-48 hours prior to each TACE session and every 2 weeks between the TACE sessions until disease progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age.
• Liver cancer, not suitable for resection.
• At least 1 measurable lesion, and overall tumor lesions occupying < 50% of liver volume
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving concurrent radiotherapy or immunotherapy.
• Patients who have received previous chemotherapy, biological agents, or radiotherapy.
• Prior transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) or transarterial embolisation (TAE).
• Prior liver transplantation or liver resection.
• Current or recent (within 10 days of study start) use of full-dose anticoagulants for therapeutic purposes.
• Patients with high risk esophageal/gastric varices.