Long-term therapy with bevacizumab in a young patient affected by NF-2: a case report and review of the literature

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by heterozygous mutations in the NF-2 tumor suppressor gene. It is characterized by the development of multiple benign tumors in the central nervous system. A majority of these tumors can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy in the case of the symptomatic disease. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has no established role in the treatment of NF-2. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical mediator of tumor angiogenesis and vessel permeability. VEGF and its receptor VEGFR-1 have been detected in schwannomas, and increased levels of these factors correlate with increased rates of tumor growth. The use of bevacizumab has made many progresses in recent years in NF-2 patients. We report a case of a young patient treated with more than 100 administration of bevacizumab, with clinical and instrumental benefits.

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