Bevacizumab — cardiovascular side effects in daily practice

The formation of new blood vessels is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Bevacizumab, monoclonal antibody binding VEGF, is applicable in the therapy of several metastatic cancer diseases. This direct interference in the mechanisms of angiogenesis results in certain cardiovascular complications such as arterial hypertension, venous and arterial thromboembolic events, and heart failure. Knowledge of risk factors, early diagnosis, and treatment seem to be crucial for the prognosis of patients. This article presents the problem of cardiovascular side effects related to bevacizumab with some selected recommendations of international experts and the Position Paper of the European Society of Cardiology.