Background
In June 2021, Avastin® (bevacizumab – Roche) was deleted from the PBS and ultimately removed from the Australian market, leaving two biosimilars available in Australia and only one form of bevacizumab listed on the PBS (biosimilar MVASI®).
The manufacturers of both Avastin® (Roche) and MVASI® (Amgen) recommend that the first two infusions of bevacizumab be administered at a slower rate to reduce the risk of infusion rate reactions (IRR). With so many patients being switched from Avastin® to MVASI®, we asked the question: Can patients who have tolerated a rapid infusion of Avastin® be switched directly to the biosimilar MVASI® at the same rate?
Aims
The aim of our study was to assess the safety of rapid infusion of biosimilar bevacizumab (MVASI®) by reviewing the incidence of IRRs in patients switching from the originator bevacizumab (Avastin®).
Methods
From the 1st of June 2021, all patients treated with bevacizumab via chemo@home received the biosimilar MVASI. The outcome of each infusion, including the incidence and grade of any IRRs, was recorded in the nursing notes in the electronic health record (Episoft®).
Results
Between 1 June and 6 August 2021, chemo@home administered 47 biosimilar bevacizumab infusions to 17 patients, all of whom switched from the originator Avastin®. These doses were administered at a rate -10 min - 5mg/kg, 15 min - 7.5mg/kg, 20 min - 10mg/kg and 30 min - 15mg/kg. The patients were being treated for 4 different types of cancer.
None of these 47 infusions was associated with any grade of IRR.
Conclusions
Our report demonstrates the safety of administering biosimilar bevacizumab at a rapid infusion rate when switching from the originator biosimilar, across different dosing levels and in different tumour types. These findings will allow us to continue administering bevacizumab in the home without compromising the patient experience.