Abstract: In the past 5 years the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been revolutionized by the advent of anti-angiogenic treatments, particularly the multi-targeted kinase inhibitors. This revolution has put standard and experimental immunotherapy in the shade. However, it is likely that a subset of patients with advanced kidney cancer is still best served by immunotherapy. This article summarizes promising novel immunotherapeutic techniques to identify those patients who will benefit and to optimize outcomes for patients using novel immunotherapeutic approaches. ... Read more

Avastin is a widely-used, important first-line drug for colorectal cancer and lung cancer. The following lists key aspects of the drug.

Chemical/Biological Nature: Avastin (bevacizumab, rhuMAb-VEGF) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody drug. Only the complementarity-determining regions (CDR) of the antibody are of mouse origin since the antibody was originally produced in mice. In order to reduce the antigenicity of the antibody to patients, all other regions of the antibody are of human origin. CDRs of an antibody make physical contact with the specific antigen and determine the antibody’s specificity.

Maker: Genentech

Diseases Treated: Metastatic colorectal cancer — approved on February 26, 2004; ... Read more