Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody used in colorectal cancer. It targets which molecule?

• A VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) ✓
• B EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)
• C PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1)
• D CD20 (a B-cell surface antigen)

Explanation

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes VEGF-A, the primary driver of tumor angiogenesis. By preventing VEGF-A from binding its receptors (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2), it reduces new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and starves the tumor of oxygen and nutrients. Side effects include hypertension, wound healing impairment, thromboembolic events, and bowel perforation. EGFR is targeted by cetuximab; CD20 by rituximab; PD-L1 by atezolizumab.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.