ABCP

Say it: A-B-C-P

Atezolizumab, bevacizumab, carboplatin and paclitaxel

ABCP combines immunotherapy, a blood vessel blocker and two chemotherapy medicines for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Also called: atezolizumab bevacizumab carboplatin paclitaxel, atezo bev carbo taxol, Tecentriq Avastin carboplatin paclitaxel, IMpower150 regimen, ABCP then atezolizumab and bevacizumab

What it is

Each medicine attacks the cancer in a different way. Carboplatin and paclitaxel are chemotherapy. Atezolizumab helps your immune system find and fight cancer, and bevacizumab cuts off the blood vessels tumors need to grow. The goal is to shrink the cancer and control it for as long as possible.

Often used for

• Non-small cell lung cancer of the non-squamous type that has spread
• Some lung cancers with EGFR or ALK changes after targeted pills stop working

Maintenance atezolizumab and bevacizumab

After 4 to 6 cycles of all 4 medicines, carboplatin and paclitaxel stop. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab continue every 3 weeks as long as they are working and side effects are okay.

The medicines in this plan

Atezolizumab

Immunotherapy that takes the brakes off your immune system. Given through a vein on day 1.

Bevacizumab

An antibody that blocks a signal tumors use to grow new blood vessels. Given through a vein on day 1.

Carboplatin

Platinum chemotherapy. Given through a vein over about 30 to 60 minutes on day 1.

Paclitaxel

Taxane chemotherapy. Given through a vein over about 3 hours on day 1, with medicines first to prevent allergic reactions.

How you get it

ABCP is given in an outpatient infusion clinic every 21 days. A treatment day often takes 5 to 7 hours. You usually get 4 to 6 cycles of all 4 medicines, then continue atezolizumab and bevacizumab alone. Your schedule may be different.

A typical cycle

Day 1

Blood and urine tests and a blood pressure check, then premedicines, then IV atezolizumab, bevacizumab, paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Days 2 to 5

Body aches, tiredness and nausea are most common now.

Days 7 to 14

Blood counts are lowest. Watch closely for fever.

Days 15 to 21

Recovery before the next cycle. Scans are usually done every 2 to 3 cycles.

Common side effects and what helps

• Tiredness. Rest when you need to, and try a short walk each day.
• Hair loss from paclitaxel, usually complete. It grows back after paclitaxel stops.
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet. Tell your team at each visit.
• Muscle and joint aches for a few days after treatment. Ask which pain reliever is safe.
• Low blood counts with risk of infection, bleeding and tiredness. Wash hands often.
• Nausea. Take your nausea medicines as directed.
• High blood pressure from bevacizumab. Check it at home if your team asks.
• Nosebleeds, usually mild. Pinch the soft part of your nose for 10 minutes.
• Diarrhea, rash or itching, which can be immune side effects. Report them so they can be treated early.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount, or any heavy bleeding
• New or worse shortness of breath, cough or chest pain
• Diarrhea 4 or more times a day above normal, or blood in your stool
• Severe belly pain
• A very bad headache, confusion, or vision changes
• Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• Swelling, flushing or trouble breathing during an infusion

Good to know

• This plan is for non-squamous lung cancer. Bevacizumab is not used for squamous lung cancer because of bleeding risk.
• Your blood pressure and urine protein are checked before each dose of bevacizumab.
• Bevacizumab can slow wound healing. Tell your team about any planned surgery or dental work.
• Immunotherapy side effects can affect any organ, even months after the last dose. Blood tests check your thyroid, liver and kidneys.
• Premedicines, including a steroid, are given before paclitaxel to prevent allergic reactions.

At home

• Check your blood pressure at home if your team asks, and write it down.
• Carry a card or list saying you get immunotherapy, and show it at any urgent care or ER.
• Take your temperature if you feel unwell, and call for a fever.
• Wear warm socks and well fitting shoes if your feet feel numb, and check them for cuts.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have diarrhea.

Questions to ask

• Is my cancer the non-squamous type, and do I have any gene changes?
• How many cycles of chemotherapy will I get before maintenance?
• How long will I stay on atezolizumab and bevacizumab?
• Which side effects should make me call right away?
• How often will I have scans?

Lung cancer

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.