Necrosis in breast cancer patients with skin metastases receiving bevacizumab-based therapy

J Wound Care. 2011 Sep;20(9):403-4, 406, 408 passim. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2011.20.9.403.

Abstract

Objective: Bevacizumab has entered daily practice in advanced breast cancer patients, in whom skin metastases occurrence is a common event. Wound healing impairment has been described with bevacizumab, and this study looks at possible deleterious side effects of bevacizumab in patients with skin metastases.

Method: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 12 patients with advanced breast cancer presenting extensive skin metastases, and who received bevacizumab based therapy.

Results: Nine patients who initially presented with erosive skin lesions developed extensive and durable skin necrosis, as well as delayed healing of surgical flaps, despite early discontinuation of bevacizumab therapy and intensive skin care in a specialised unit. Skin necrosis was usually associated with extensive tumoural involvement of the skin.

Conclusion: Bevacizumab may be harmful in selected breast cancer patients with metastatic cutaneous involvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Skin Ulcer / chemically induced*
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Surgical Wound Infection / chemically induced
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab