Importantly, this was the first phase III validation of an antiangiogenic approach for the treatment of human cancer. Several further, large phase III trials of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer are under way. These include a first-line study of standard 5-FU/LV with or without bevacizumab in patients who are not appropriate for irinotecan therapy. A further phase III study will assess the FOLFOX regimen with or without bevacizumab in the second-line setting for patients who have failed previous irinotecan plus 5-FU treatment. These results will help to define the benefit of anti-VEGF therapy.