Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a currently incurable benign neoplasm caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. It usually reduces voice, respiratory, and general quality of life, and is sometimes life-threatening. Patients usually need repeated operations. The use of adjuvant bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A, has been described in several case reports, with a good efficacy and safety profile.
Methods: We report the cases of five patients with aggressive RRP who were treated with adjuvant systemic bevacizumab in a single Belgian tertiary center.
Results: A complete response was achieved in four patients after a median of 4.5 months, and a partial response in one. In all cases, the number of surgeries was drastically reduced, and quality of life improved. Toxicity was easily managed.
Conclusions: Systemic bevacizumab seems to be an effective and safe adjuvant treatment for aggressive RRP.
Keywords: benign neoplasm; bevacizumab; human papilloma virus; laryngeal tumor; recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
© 2023 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.