What is a potential side effect of Bevacizumab?

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily used in the treatment of various cancers. One of the significant potential side effects associated with its use is gastrointestinal perforation. This serious condition can occur because Bevacizumab inhibits the growth of blood vessels, which can compromise the healing process and the integrity of the intestinal wall. When the intestinal wall is weakened, it may lead to perforation, resulting in potentially life-threatening complications such as peritonitis and sepsis.

The other options, while they can be associated with different medications or underlying conditions in cancer patients, are not typically recognized as common side effects of Bevacizumab. For instance, weight gain is not generally a direct consequence of Bevacizumab treatment, and while pneumonia might occur in immunocompromised patients, it is not a known specific side effect of Bevacizumab itself. Hair loss, often seen with traditional chemotherapy agents, is also not a direct effect of this targeted therapy. Therefore, recognizing gastrointestinal perforation as a potential side effect is essential for monitoring and managing the risks associated with Bevacizumab therapy.