Mvasi is a biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab). A biosimilar is a biological medicine that has been demonstrated to be highly similar to an already-approved biologic, with no clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), a protein that tumours use to grow new blood vessels to feed themselves. By cutting off this blood supply, bevacizumab slows cancer growth.

Mvasi is used to treat several types of advanced cancer, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer, in combination with other chemotherapy medicines.

Mvasi is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or cancer centre by trained medical staff. Infusions are typically given every 2 or 3 weeks depending on the treatment regimen.

The first infusion takes 90 minutes. If well tolerated, subsequent infusions may be given over 60 minutes, and then 30 minutes.

Blood pressure is checked before each infusion.

Your infusions are scheduled and administered in a clinic. Contact your oncology team if you need to reschedule.

In a clinical setting, any dosing error is managed immediately by medical staff.

Storage is managed by the treating clinic. Mvasi vials are stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Once diluted for infusion, the solution should be used promptly.

Side effects are common, and some can be serious.

Very common side effects:

• High blood pressure: blood pressure is monitored before and during each infusion
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth sores
  

Serious side effects:

• Gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the gut): severe abdominal pain or vomiting requires urgent medical attention
• Haemorrhage (serious bleeding): report any unusual or heavy bleeding
• Wound healing problems: Mvasi must be stopped at least 28 days before elective surgery and not restarted until the wound is fully healed
• Thromboembolic events (blood clots, including stroke and heart attack)
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine): kidney function is monitored regularly
• Fistula formation (abnormal connections between tissues)

Regular blood tests, blood pressure checks, and urine tests are part of routine monitoring.

• Sunitinib: combination with bevacizumab increased toxicity in some studies. Avoid
• Other antiangiogenic agents: additive effects may increase side effect risk

Tell your oncologist about all medicines you are taking.

Is Mvasi as safe and effective as Avastin?

Yes. Mvasi has been approved as a biosimilar after demonstrating no clinically meaningful differences from Avastin in extensive clinical studies. The same safety precautions and monitoring apply. If you are switching from Avastin to Mvasi, no dose adjustment is required.

Why do I need to stop bevacizumab before surgery?

Bevacizumab blocks VEGF, which is not only important for tumour blood supply but also for normal wound healing. If taken too close to surgery, it significantly increases the risk of poor wound healing and wound breakdown (dehiscence). Your oncologist will plan the timing of surgery and treatment carefully

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.