Successful therapy with bevacizumab in a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Abstract

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), genetic disorder manifested by uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis with epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is often related with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, reduces epistaxis, telangiectasias, and iron-deficiency anaemia. A case of a female patient with HHT and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is presented. The patient required iron supplementation and multiple blood transfusions. Bevacizumab brought marked symptomatic improvement and allowed for transfusion-independence. It is intended to apply for approval of the indications for bevacizumab administration in HHT as the 'orphan drug'.

• Authors: J Kochanowski, M Sobieszczańska, S Tubek, M Żurek, J Pawełczak
• Journal: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics (Hum Vaccin Immunother) Vol. 11 Issue 3 Pg. 680-1 ( 2015) ISSN: 2164-554X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25839219 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Bevacizumab
• Iron

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Bevacizumab (therapeutic use)
• Blood Transfusion
• Female
• Humans
• Iron (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome