Anemia in the News

Genentech, manufacturers of bevacizumab (Avastin), recently discontinued two clinical trials combining their drug with Pfizer’s sunitinib malate (Sutent) after several cases of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) were reported in patients with solid tumors.

Of the 25 patients enrolled in the Phase I dose-escalation study combining Avastin and Sutent, five of 12 patients at the highest dose levels exhibited laboratory findings consistent with MAHA and two cases were considered severe. The symptoms were reversible within three weeks after discontinuation of both drugs. Also, two of seven patients in the Phase II trial with similar dosing were found to have MAHA.

The combination of Avastin and Sutent is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and this combination is not recommended.

Please read more specifics in the safety alert from the FDA or in the press release from the manufacturer.

Last Updated: July 17, 2008