Gastrointestinal perforation associated with bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving bevacizumab.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 217 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving bevacizumab to investigate the risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation. Three patients occurred intestinal perforation after receiving bevacizumab. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of three patients with intestinal perforation.ResultsAll patients receiving bevacizumab. Three of 217 patients occurred intestinal perforation after receiving bevacizumab. Patient no. 1 was 70 years old, female, having history of intestinal obstruction. The patient occurred intestinal perforation and ultimately died after receiving bevacizumab. Patient no. 2 was 59 years old, female, having history of intestinal obstruction. The patient occurred intestinal perforation after receiving bevacizumab, and recovered smoothly after symptomatic treatment. Patient no. 3 was 60 years old, female, having history of intestinal obstruction. The patient occurred intestinal perforation and ultimately died after receiving bevacizumab.ConclusionsPatients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving bevacizumab are at risk of gastrointestinal perforation. The patient's age, gender and history of bowel obstruction may be associated with gastrointestinal perforation.