The FDA on August 3, 2012 approved ZALTRAP® (Ziv-aflibercept injection), for use in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, CAMPTOSAR® (Irinotecan) (FOLFIRI) for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin containing regimen. ZALTRAP® is a product of Sanofi U.S., Inc.
Tag: Rectal Cancer
ZALTRAP® for second line treatment of metastatic CRC
ZALTRAP® (Aflibercept) is a soluble fusion protein that is capable of binding with high affinity to pro-angiogenic factors such as all VEGF-A isoforms, VEGF-B, and PlGF. This is unlike bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody that only targets all isoforms of VEGF-A. In the VELOUR trial, second-line chemotherapy in combination with ZALTRAP® (Aflibercept) demonstrated significant improvement in the progression-free survival as well as overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. This benefit was seen irrespective of prior bevacizumab therapy. This data was presented at the 13th ESMO world congress.
Regorafenib improves survival in advanced CRC
The CORRECT trial is a randomized phase III study which demonstrated improved survival with Regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor when compared to placebo, in individuals with advanced colorectal cancer, who had progressed on all available standard therapies. This important study gives a new option for individuals with advanced colorectal cancer. Additional data will be presented at ASCO 2012 meeting.
Oncoprescribe Blog To treat or not to treat Stage II colon cancer? – Molecular Markers to the rescue
As we understand the molecular biology of colon cancer, it is becoming clear that tumors with MisMatch Repair Deficiency (MMR-D) and high MicroSatellite Instability (MSI) tend to have a favorable prognosis and do not benefit from chemotherapy and on the contrary, 5-FU based chemotherapy may potentially result in a detrimental effect. The Oncotype DX colon cancer 12 gene assay is a valuable tool that can provide additional information in the decision making process.
Oncoprescribe Blog Will BRAF trump KRAS testing in Metastatic Colon Cancer?
Testing for KRAS mutations is presently the standard of care prior to treatment with anti EGFR monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab and panitumumab, as KRAS mutant colorectal tumors do not respond to anti EGFR monoclonal antibodies. However it is becoming clear that BRAF which is involved in intracellular signaling and cell growth and a principal downstream mediator of KRAS, when mutated resulted in shorter progression free survival and overall survival regardless of KRAS status. Targeted therapy may be taking a turn for the better making treatment more personalized.