Results

Author's Conclusions

Clinical/Scientific Implications
The study reports the results of a phase II clinical trial of a combination of two targeted agents, the monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF,bevacizumab, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, erlotinib.  Our understanding of the multiple genetic abnormalities and alterations of different biochemical pathways underlying the development of tumors has resulted in the discovery of novel agents targeting specific pathways.  Results of clinical trials with these agents as monotherapy have shown modest clinical activity in RCC.  The regimen bevacizumab/erlotinib has demonstrated substantial activity in this disease supporting the hypothesis that combining agents targeting multiple biochemical pathways results in more effective treatment.  It would be important to identify the patient population that will benefit from this or similar therapy and to predict early during treatment which patients will progress.  Efforts to define markers of response in subsequent trials are necessary.  Further study of this combination approach is warranted.

Oncolink's ASCO Coverage made possible by an unrestricted Educational Grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology.