Is it okay to stop bevacizumab for one month?
Nov 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
Bevac refers to bevacizumab injection. Generally, whether bevacizumab injection can be discontinued for one month needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If the patient's condition is stable and under a doctor's recommendation, stopping the medication for one month may be acceptable; however, if the patient discontinues the medication for an extended period without medical approval, it is not allowed.
"Bevacizumab" refers to bevacizumab injection. Generally, whether it is acceptable to discontinue bevacizumab injection for one month depends on the specific circumstances. If the patient's condition is stable and under a doctor’s recommendation, stopping the medication for one month may be acceptable; however, if the patient discontinues the drug for an extended period without medical approval, it is not advisable. Should the patient experience any discomfort or adverse symptoms, prompt medical consultation is recommended to avoid delaying treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Acceptable (Yes)
Bevacizumab injection is a targeted antibody drug commonly used to treat certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), thereby suppressing the formation of new blood vessels and reducing blood supply to tumors, ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. If a physician recommends temporarily discontinuing treatment based on the patient's specific condition, treatment response, side effects, or other medical considerations, then pausing the medication according to medical advice is appropriate.
2. Not Acceptable (No)
It should be noted that if patients discontinue the medication for a prolonged period without consulting their doctor, treatment efficacy may decrease, and tumors may resume rapid growth due to lack of therapeutic pressure. For some cancer patients, continuous anti-angiogenic therapy is crucial for controlling disease progression. Therefore, interrupting treatment arbitrarily could negatively impact disease management, making it inappropriate to discontinue the drug in these cases.
Medication use must be conducted under the guidance of a physician. Patients should never self-administer or adjust treatment regimens without medical supervision to avoid potential adverse effects.
