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Tolerability of Antiangiogenic Therapy
Antiangiogenic agents are generally well tolerated compared to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy for brain cancer. Antangiogenic agents can also help curtail the use of steroids in brain cancer patients. Reducing the need for steroids can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Despite their generally milder side effects, however, angiogenesis inhibitors still have effects that require careful monitoring and clinical management. The most prevalent side effect of bevacizumab is elevated blood pressure (hypertension). This condition can usually be managed with standard blood pressure lowering medications. Other side effects of bevacizumab include excess protein in the urine, and an increased risk for blood clots and nosebleeds. Less frequently, serious bleeding events, bowel perforation, delayed wound healing, and heart conditions have been reported.9 Other antiangiogenic agents can cause fatigue, low thyroid function, diarrhea, and skin rashes.


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Last updated June 6, 2011