Avastin for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is best described as cancer of the large intestine and affects thousands of men and women. It often shows few or no signs at the initial stages, but may cause bleeding, cramps and many other signs at a more advanced stage. Avastin is the recommended drug for more advanced stages of this condition, and is useful for two main reasons. Primarily, it is often used as supportive treatment for cancer victims after surgery. Secondly, most victims of colon cancer cannot be cured with surgery once the cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body. Avastin has been identified as a powerful drug to prolong the life of cancer patients by minimizing the spread of cancerous cells.

Avastin for Colon Cancer – Overview

Avastin is another name for Bevacizumab. Avastin is the first form of treatment that inhibits a process called angiogenesis. It belongs to the class of drugs referred to as monoclonal antibodie,s and is a very precise laboratory-created antibody targeted specifically at cancer cells. It works with high precision, and therefore produces more reliable results than regular chemotherapy with fewer side effects. Avastin is used to treat cancer of the colon because of its ability extend the life of victims of colon cancer at more advanced stages of the disease.

Avastin for Colon Cancer – How it Works

Cancer cells constantly require nourishment through the blood to continue to grow and spread. Avastin for colon cancer works by preventing this need from being satisfied and prevents the development of more blood vessels in tumors. In simple terms, it totally shuts down a process referred to as angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the process by which cancer cells develop new blood vessels. Thus, Avastin prevents the action of Vascular Endothelial Growth factor (VEGF), the substance mainly responsible for blood vessel generation in tumors.

Avastin for Colon Cancer – Side Effects

Avastin has been identified with myriads of side effects which can sometimes be fatal. Gastrointestinal perforation in which there is a development of holes in the gastrointestinal system, stomach and intestines, is common. Additionally, Avastin is well known for slowing down the rate of wound healing which can be really critical, especially after a surgical procedure. Heart problems, kidney problems, nervous problems and high blood pressure are also possible side effects of Avastin. However, the most common side effects to watch out for are nose bleeding, nose inflammation, change in taste, dry skin, rectal bleeding and inflammation. These have been reported by more than 10% of Avastin users.

As a final note, it is important to bear in mind that Avastin is specifically prescribed for advanced stage of colon cancer. It works better in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs and can produce adequate results. Furthermore, colon cleansing is another effective way of reducing the risk of developing colon cancer. There importance of colon cleansing as a preventative measure can be found in other sections of this site.