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Introduction: MAGE-A3 (Melanoma Associated Antigen-A3) is expressed in cancer cells but not in normal tissues except male germ line cells which are devoid of Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules and therefore do not present MAGE-A3 antigens., Background: MAGE-A3 is expressed in 30 to 60% of non-small cell lung cancers but its function is unknown. Its recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes implies its presentation on the cell surface by HLA type A1 molecules that are absent from germ cells., Viewpoints: MAGE-A3 represents a good target for active anticancer immunotherapy. Some trials, which used MAGE-A3 and an adjuvant showed a strong antigen-specific T-cell response with, perhaps, an improved survival., Conclusion: This needs to be confirmed as an adjuvent therapy by current phase III randomized controlled trials., (Copyright © 2010 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. The use of bevacizumab has shown survival benefit in variety of cancers. However, a specific toxicity profile has been observed with bevacizumab such as hypertension, proteinuria, gastrointestinal perforation and arterial thrombosis. Non-small-cell lung cancer is often associated with thrombotic event therefore guidelines are expected to prescribe bevacizumab in this population. This article presents data from literature about the thrombotic risk and provides recommendations for the use of anticoagulant and antiaggregant treatments.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor that is currently validated for treatment and has shown survival benefit in various cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. However, a very specific toxicity profile has been observed with bevacizumab. This article presents data from the literature concerning hypertension and proteinuria, and provides recommendations for the management of these toxicities.