BLOOD PLASMA BIOMARKERS FOR BEVACIZUMAB COMBINATION THERAPIES FOR TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER

摘要

The present invention provides methods for improving the treatment effect of a chemotherapy regimen of a patient suffering from pancreatic cancer in particular metastatic pancreatic cancer by adding bevacizumab (Avastin�) to a chemotherapy regimen by determining the expression level in particular the blood plasma expression level of one or more of VEGFA VEGFR2 and PLGF relative to control levels of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in particular metastatic pancreatic cancer. In particular the present invention provides methods of improving the treatment effect wherein the treatment effect is the overall survival and/or progression free survival of the patient. The present invention further provides for methods for assessing the sensitivity or responsiveness of a patient to bevacizumab (Avastin�) in combination with a chemotherapy regimen by determining the expression level in particular the blood plasma expression level of one or more of VEGFA VEGFR2 and PLGF relative to control levels in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in particular metastatic pancreatic cancer.