Distribution of Bevacizumab into the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children and Adolescents with Recurrent Brain Tumors

Background

To date, evidence has been lacking regarding bevacizumab pharmacokinetics in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Objective

This study assessed the penetration of bevacizumab, as part of a metronomic antiangiogenic treatment regimen, into the CSF of children, adolescents, and young adults with recurrent brain tumors.

Patients and Methods

Serum and CSF concentrations, malignant cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were analyzed in 12 patients (5–27 years) following 10 mg/kg bevacizumab intravenous biweekly administration (EudraCT number 2009-013024-23). A population pharmacokinetic model including body weight, albumin, and tumor type as influential factors was extended to quantify the CSF penetration of bevacizumab.

Results

Apart from in serum (minimum concentration/maximum concentration [C_min/C_max] 77.0–305/267–612 mg/L, median 144/417 mg/L), bevacizumab could be quantified in the CSF (0.01–2.26 mg/L, median 0.35 mg/L). The CSF/serum ratio was 0.16 and highly variable between patients. Malignant cells could be detected in CSF before initiation of treatment in five of 12 patients; after treatment, the CSF was cleared in all patients. VEGF-A was detected in three patients before treatment (mean ± SD: 20 ± 11 pg/mL), and was still measurable in one of these patients despite treatment (16 pg/mL).

Conclusions

This pharmacokinetic pilot study indicated penetration of bevacizumab into the CSF in a population of children, adolescents, and young adults with recurrent brain tumors.