Periodontal disease in a patient receiving Bevacizumab: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) thereby acting as an angiogenesis inhibitor. As a result, supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues is impaired and tumour cell growth is reduced. Reported side effects due to bevacizumab are hypertension and increased risk of bleeding. Bowel perforation has also been reported. Periodontal disease in patients on bevacizumab therapy has not been reported before. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a forty-three year old woman who developed periodontitis whilst receiving bevacizumab for lung cancer. The periodontal disease remained stable on discontinuation of the drug. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are needed to determine the mechanism for bevacizumab-induced periodontal disease.