Thirty-minutes infusion rate is safe enough for bevacizumab; no need for initial prolong infusion

Bevacizumab (Bev) is a vascular endothelial growth factor-A monoclonal antibody that targets tumor angiogenesis. The transfusion rate of Bev is 90 min in the first dose, 60 min in the second and than from the third dose it is 30 min if no hypersensitivity reaction occurs in the first two doses. The purpose of this study determines whether these initial prolonged infusions are really necessary or not. Between 2007 and 2009, we were using the standard schedule for Bev infusions. In July 2009, we reviewed our medical reports, nursing orders and adverse drug reaction forms to identify the Bev used patients and possible hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Depending on that information between August 2009 and July 2014, we started to make Bev infusions in 30 min from the first dose of the therapy. In this study, we documented the findings of these 30-min infusion used patients. From August 2009 to July 2014, we treated 145 patients with 1,145 Bev infusions each one in 30 min. Out of 145 patients, 12 of them received only single dosage of Bev infusion treatment. Bev doses were 5 mg/kg for 87 patients, 7.5 mg/kg for 64 patients, 10 mg/kg for four patients and 15 mg/kg for only one patient. No HSRs were reported during these transfusions. Initial prolonged infusion times are unnecessary for Bev. Thirty-minute infusion rates can be used safely for all courses.