bevacizumab

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It has been proposed to me that for sight impact reduction that a course of Avastin (bevacizumab) injections be administered.

Has anyone had experience of this in an uveal melanoma scenario?

The side effects listed are wide ranging and unpleasant. Some by extension I assess could mean additional medication that I really don't want. The rarer side effects are equally unpalatable. That said, the drug is used in other cancers and intravenously so what I am finding may not be sufficiently definitive in invitriol use.

Anyone able to better enlighten?

Surfer boy 4 months ago

I only ever had one such injection and then I was advised to have Eyelea (I think that’s how it is spelled). No side effects from the one injection and none from the 9-10 Eyelea ones. Perhaps you could enquire re Eyelea?

all the best with it

Simply Derek 1 month ago in reply to Surfer boy

Thanks for the info on this which I raised with the consultant last week. Essentially no real difference between either drug. As expected the localised application of bevacizumab and quantity involved is envisaged to significantly minimise risks though. No specific side effect studies for eye therapeutic treatment seem to be available though.

Bottom line is that I will be following the proposed treatment and crossing fingers and other appendages as usual

Simply Derek 6 days ago

Thought I'd update folk as to where this has travelled to.

The focus of my concerns related to two main possible consequential aspects; high blood pressure and, associated with that, an increased risk of stroke. The associated literature to the drug is clear on these as risks, however, in judging this for yourself I indicate the following: the literature is all encompassing and that means it looks at its use for other cancers and where given in larger doses intravenously.

The use for eyes means the dose is minimal in comparison, and it is not being given directly into the blood supply. As such, whilst the risks aren't zero they are significantly reduced.

The procedure itself whilst it is a little unsettling as to thinking of an injection into the eye, it is done in such a way as I didn't see the needle (important as I am not a "needles" person) and felt only pressure rather than pain. (anaesthetic drops are given during the process).

Some initial notice of "bubbles" in the vision which quickly dispersed.

A few days of lubricant drops and over night eye shield for a week ish.

Starting on a basis of course of 3, 6 weeks between each, and monitor progress and value in continuing.

The only issue was that it was a particularly bright day which meant vision was messed up more than usual from dilation drops! (And I had forgotten to take my usual cap)

Hope this is informative for anyone considering this.

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bevacizumab