Phase II trial of single agent bevacizumab in patients with relapsed, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL): Southwest Oncology Group Study S0108

6592 Background: VEGF is overexpressed in a number of malignancies. We previously found high expression of VEGF and its receptors in a sample of aggressive NHL specimens. Based on these results, we initiated this trial. Methods: Patients (pts) were treated every 2 weeks with bevacizumab (BV), a recombinant monoclonal antibody against VEGF, at a dose of 10mg/kg IV. Eligibility was limited to advanced stage aggressive NHL histologies in 1st or 2nd relapse. Results: 51 pts were registered (5 ineligible). Median age was 70 yrs (range: 36–87). 44 pts have been evaluated for toxicity. One died of pulmonary emboli and another died of probable progressive disease (possible causal relationship to drug could not be ruled out). 15 pts had grade 3 toxicities. The most common were cytopenias (10); fatigue, malaise, or lethargy (5); dyspnea (3); hypertension (2); hyponatremia (2); and dehydration (2). 40 eligible pts were evaluated for best response. There were 2 PR for an overall response rate of 5% (95% C.I. 1–17%). ...