Optimizing intrapleural bevacizumab dosing in non-small-cell lung cancer-mediated malignant pleural effusion: less is more

Aim: Intrapleural infusion of bevacizumab (BEV) is an emerging clinical treatment for malignant pleural effusion, but many details of usage need to be determined, especially for the effective dose. Patients & methods: We performed a retrospective study of the records of malignant pleural effusion patients from non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent intrapleural infusion of BEV. According to the BEV dose commonly used in clinical, patients were allocated into either low-dose group or high-dose group. Results: A total of 71 patients were enrolled in this study. Administration with intrapleural BEV in low dose has less toxicity. For survival data, low- and high-dose groups have no difference. Conclusion: Lower rates of serious BEV-related toxicities and similar survival date are noted when lower dosages are used without diminishing positive clinical impact.