Phase II study of bevacizumab (Bv) in combination with paclitaxel-carboplatin (PC) as first-line chemotherapy for nonsquamous (SQ) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

e19021 Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in NSCLC with MPE, but the evidence regarding the efficacy of Bv with PC for treatment of NSCLC with MPE is lacking. Therefore, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of Bv and PC in non-SQ NSCLC pts. Methods: Chemotherapy-naive non-SQ NSCLC pts with MPE were eligible to participate. Pleurodesis before chemotherapy was not allowed. The treated pts received PC without Bv in the first cycle to prevent Bv-induced delayed wound healing after chest drainage. Subsequently, they received 2–6 cycles of PC with Bv. Patients who completed more than 3 cycles of PC and Bv without disease progression or severe toxicities continued to receive Bv alone as a maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint was overall response, although an increase in MPE was allowed in the first cycle. The plasma and MPE VEGF levels were measured at baseline and the plasma VEGF levels after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Between September 1, 20...