Ovarian Cancer Survivor Stories of Using Avastin for Treatment

Women Share Their Avastin Stories for Treating Ovarian Cancer

Avastin (bevacizumab) is an important drug used to treat ovarian cancer in many women. The targeted therapy is often added to chemotherapy to help extend life and slow disease progression. Here we share some inspiring stories from ovarian cancer survivors using Avastin.

What is Avastin and How Does it Work?

Avastin is a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent tumor angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancer). By blocking VEGF, Avastin starves ovarian tumors of their blood supply to slow or halt growth.

For ovarian cancer that has progressed through first line chemotherapy treatments, Avastin combined with more chemo may activate the immune system against ovarian tumors to increase survival duration in recurrent disease.

Patient Experiences Using Avastin

While every woman's cancer journey is different, reading personal accounts from ovarian cancer survivors using Avastin for maintenance or recurrent disease provides helpful insights. Here are a few shared stories:

Avastin Added 4+ Years to Joan's Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Journey

"I was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer at age 59. After initial debulking and six rounds of carboplatin/Taxol, I opted for Avastin every 3 weeks to keep the cancer from coming back. I just passed my four year remission anniversary! While Avastin gave me high blood pressure requiring medication, I believe adding this targeted therapy gave me years I otherwise would not have had." - Joan F., 62

Tina Credits Avastin for seeing Grandchildren Born

"I was shocked to be diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 ovarian cancer at age 52 as a busy mother of teenagers. Following radical cytoreductive surgery and six rounds of intense chemo, my doctor recommended Avastin infusions to prolong my lifespan. While I suffered some GI issues and a DVT blood clot over two years of Avastin treatments, it brought me an additional five precious years to see all my grandchildren born, including twins! I will be forever grateful for the extra time Avastin afforded me." - Tina Y., 59

Karen's Avastin Therapy Began 10 Years Ago and Still Going

"After four recurrences of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and trying multiple chemo regimens with Avastin over a decade now, my disease seems stable on maintenance doses. While the monthly infusions take a day out of my schedule with unpleasant side effects at times, the length and quality of life Avastin has given me beyond expectations makes all worthwhile. I don't take a single day for granted and live life to fullest with this incurable cancer!" - Karen B., 68

Common Side Effects Women Report from Avastin Treatment

While Avastin can extend life for recurrent ovarian cancer patients, many do experience side effects that should be managed properly. Here are some of the most frequently reported:

Fatigue

Feelings of persistent tiredness and diminished energy are very common while on Avastin. This often forces women to pace activities, take regular rest breaks, set manageable schedules, and practice stress reduction techniques like meditation.

Hypertension

High blood pressure occurs in up to 1/3 of patients on Avastin. Monitoring with at-home blood pressure checks along with medications prescribed to keep readings below 140/90 mmHg are important preventative measures during Avastin treatment.

Poor Wound Healing

Avastin impacts wound healing pathways that can cause serious complications with cuts, dental work or planned surgeries. Doctors recommend stopping Avastin 5-6 weeks before and after any invasive procedures requiring optimal wound healing.

Proteinuria

Excess protein filtered into the urine affects up to 1/4 ovarian cancer patients on Avastin long-term. This signals potential kidney damage requiring prompt medical attention and monitoring. Reduced Avastin dosing or drug holidays may become necessary.

While challenging side effects do occur, most women judge it worthwhile to continue Avastin therapy to halt ovarian cancer progression given the alternative.

Dealing with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer on Avastin

For the over 70% of women whose ovarian cancer returns following frontline chemotherapy, Avastin plus additional chemo agents can offer hope.

Understanding Your Recurrent Disease

Important considerations when ovarian cancer progresses again on Avastin:

• How long did first line platinum therapy keep cancer at bay?
• Were cancer blood markers rising or did symptoms/scans detect recurrence?
• How rapidly is disease progressing based on rising CA-125 levels?
• What chemo drugs have already been tried for maximum benefit without overly taxing side effects?

This helps determine best next therapy steps for managing recurrent disease.

Second Line Therapy Options

Common second line alternatives prescribed alongside Avastin for relapsed OC include:

• Carboplatin + Gemcitabine or Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD)
• Carboplatin + Paclitaxel or Docetaxel (for platinum-sensitive patients)
• Oral MEK Inhibitor (for patients with low-grade serous mutations)
• Clinical Trials of emerging immunotherapies, PARP inhibitors, antibody drug conjugates, etc.

Finding the most tolerable and durable second line treatment option provides the best quality of life.

Later Line Therapies

For women requiring third line or later treatments beyond Avastin, options like:

• Single Agent Chemos: Docetaxel, Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel, Etoposide, Caelyx, Topotecan, Gemcitabine
• Oral MEK combos, Lurbinectedin, antibody drug conjugates
• PARP inhibitors (for BRCA mutation patients)
• Immunotherapies (Niraparib combos)
• Clinical trials

may provide additional months to years of cancer control.

While ovarian cancer remains incurable, Avastin for recurrent disease offers violable extra time for many women as shared in their inspirational personal stories beating the odds.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.