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Global comparative trials of anti-VEGFs continue to teach lessons
The list of clinical trials comparing bevacizumab and ranibizumab is getting longer, adding weight to the suggestion that there is no significant difference between the drugs with regard to systemic serious adverse events, a presenter said.
Worldwide, results of six trials have been published: CATT, IVAN, MANTA, GEFAL, BRAMD and LUCAS.
“Through 2 years, there was no difference between drugs in rates of death, myocardial infarction or stroke events,” Daniel F. Martin, MD, CATT study chair, said. “This has now been shown in every trial.”
Only in the CATT did results find more systemic serious adverse events in patients treated with Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech/Roche) than with Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech/Novartis), but that result has not been replicated in any other study, Martin said.
Another safety issue is that of supply.
“It’s a fair concern,” Martin said. “But millions of Avastin injections have been given, and the number of complications related to supply is extraordinarily low. ... Increased FDA oversight of compounding pharmacies should reduce this risk even further.”
Disclosure: Martin has no relevant financial disclosures.