OS3.4 Effect of bevacizumab on the morphology and function of neurons and glial cells

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a dimeric polypeptide which acts primarily through its binding to VEGFR-2. The main effects of VEGF are proliferation of endothelial cells, angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability. VEGF also plays an important role in brain development and function. In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) it stimulates neoangiogenesis and bevacizumab, a VEGF antibody, is used in GBM treatment. Recently, it has been reported that treatment with bevacizumab may cause a decline in neurocognitive function of GBM patients.