Avastin side effect or not?

I found out this morning that one of my friends is now on Avastin. However, her protein levels have risen which is an indicator of kidney problems. What they're trying to figure out now is which came first - did the Avastin cause kidney disfunction or are her kidneys malfunctioning on their own and she can't continue on the Avastin?  Has anyone on this chemo had this problem?

[bohan54]

I'm in the clinical trial, don't know if I'm getting Avastin or placebo but have had kidney complications.   Ureteral stents seemed to solve them for now.
Sharon

[ireneo]

Ouch - that sounds uncomfortable. She's hoping to get some update this week and then find out what comes next. I think she's been taken off the med until they figure out the kidney situation. Drat.

[Tybear]

Avastin can cause protein to be excreted through your kidneys...I'm on Avastin now and have to have my urine checked before every visit for excess protein. Other than that, I don't know that it can impair kidney function... I suppose though, that any chemo could potentially damage your kidneys. I don't remember seeing that listed as a side effect though...
Hope this helps..
Becky

[1st_timecancer]

I am on the Avastin trial as well and thus far the only side affect that I have had was severe nausea after my 1st treatment with just the avastin, so far nothing has changed with my blood or my urine which I am thankful for.

[westajul]

Hi,
Avastin is also apartof my chemo regime. i have not had any kidney problems...but my levels are checked every week also.

[ireneo]

That's all very encouraging. So just because her protein levels are up may not mean kidney damage; it may be a simple effect of the medication (thanks Tybear).  They did a second test on her and she's waiting for the results. If her levels come back down, she can go back on the Avastin. Here's hoping for good news.