BCP

Say it: B-C-P

Bevacizumab, carboplatin and paclitaxel

BCP pairs two chemotherapy medicines with bevacizumab, a blood vessel blocker, for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Also called: carboplatin paclitaxel bevacizumab, carbo taxol bev, PCB, CPB, carboplatin paclitaxel Avastin, ECOG 4599 regimen

What it is

Carboplatin and paclitaxel kill fast growing cancer cells. Bevacizumab blocks a signal tumors use to build new blood vessels, which helps the chemotherapy work better. The goal is to shrink the cancer, ease symptoms and help you live longer. Today, immunotherapy is often added or used instead, so BCP is used for selected people.

Often used for

• Non-small cell lung cancer of the non-squamous type that has spread
• Advanced lung cancer when immunotherapy is not a good option

Maintenance bevacizumab

After 4 to 6 cycles, carboplatin and paclitaxel stop and bevacizumab may continue every 3 weeks to keep the cancer under control.

With atezolizumab (ABCP)

Adding the immunotherapy atezolizumab makes the ABCP regimen, which can work better for many people.

The medicines in this plan

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, after premedicines to prevent allergic reactions.

How you get it

BCP is given in an outpatient infusion clinic every 21 days. A treatment day often takes 5 to 6 hours. You usually get 4 to 6 cycles, then may continue 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 paclitaxel, carboplatin and bevacizumab.

Days 2 to 5

Muscle and joint aches, tiredness and nausea are most common.

Days 7 to 14

Blood counts are lowest. Watch 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

• Hair loss, 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. Ask which pain reliever is safe.
• Tiredness. Balance rest with short walks.
• Low blood counts with risk of infection and bleeding. Wash hands often.
• Nausea. Take nausea medicines on schedule.
• 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.
• Protein in the urine, which is found on urine tests and usually causes no symptoms.

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 shortness of breath or chest pain
• Severe belly pain
• A very bad headache, confusion or vision changes
• Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg
• Flushing, chest tightness 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 or if you have recently coughed up blood.
• Blood pressure and urine protein are checked before each bevacizumab dose.
• Bevacizumab can slow wound healing. Tell your team about any planned surgery or dental work.
• Premedicines, including a steroid, are given before paclitaxel to prevent allergic reactions.
• You will have blood tests before each cycle.

At home

• Check your blood pressure at home if your team asks, and write it down.
• Take your temperature if you feel unwell, and call for a fever.
• Wear comfortable shoes and check your feet if they feel numb.
• Drink plenty of fluids in the days after treatment.
• Take nausea medicines as directed.

Questions to ask

• Is my cancer the non-squamous type, and do I have any gene changes?
• Would adding immunotherapy help me?
• How many cycles will I get?
• Will I stay on bevacizumab afterward?
• 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.