Bevacizumab efficacy in treatment of brain radiation necrosis

Abstract

Radiation therapy (RT) plays an important role in treatment of primary and metastatic CNS tumors and some non-neopiastic conditions (arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia). Radiation necrosis (RN) is a common adverse effect of RT. Until recently steroid therapy was used as a main treatment regimen for RN. Mechanisms of RN development are not clear; however, it was shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in its formation. A number of surveys showed efficacy of bevacizumab as an anti-VEGF agent in treatment of RN. Radiation necrosis pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment are summarized in this review.