BEVACIZUMAB IN COLON CANCER TREATMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

Abstract

Bevacizumab, a targeted anti-angiogenic drug, plays a critical role in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby reducing tumor blood supply, slowing tumor growth, and limiting metastasis. This paper evaluates the clinical benefits and challenges associated with bevacizumab-based treatments while conducting a bibliometric analysis of its research trajectory. Findings indicate that combining bevacizumab with standard chemotherapy significantly prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced colon cancer. However, its use is associated with adverse effects such as hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, and rare but severe gastrointestinal perforation, as well as emerging resistance issues. Bibliometric analysis reveals a steady increase in bevacizumab-related research, particularly from 2014 to 2018, reflecting growing scientific interest and clinical application. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment regimens, identifying predictive biomarkers for personalized medicine, developing next-generation anti-VEGF agents, and exploring novel combination therapies. Expanding global collaboration in basic and clinical research could enhance treatment outcomes and reduce therapy-associated risks. In the context of sports medicine, understanding the impact of targeted therapies on patient recovery and rehabilitation is essential for designing customized exercise programs that support physical resilience, improve quality of life, and promote long-term health in cancer survivors.