Strong Notch activation hinders bevacizumab efficacy in advanced colorectal cancer.

Aim: To assess the role of Notch activation in predicting bevacizumab efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Materials & Methods: Notch activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 65 CRC enrolled within randomized clinical trials assessing first-line bevacizumab-based chemotherapy and on 21 CRC treated with chemotherapy alone.

Results: Strong Notch (IHC 3+) activation was negatively associated with response (18 vs 62% in low Notch cases [IHC 0, 1, 2+]; p = 0.