Novel investigational drugs for gastric cancer.
BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer still represents a leading cause of death worldwide. Several cytotoxic agents have demonstrated activity and combination regimens improve progression-free survival, overall survival and quality of life. Nevertheless, now there is no standard therapy for advanced gastric cancer patients.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of new investigational agents.


METHODS
We analysed Phase I, II and III studies that evaluated tailored drugs directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the c-erbB2, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).


CONCLUSIONS
Data from Phase II trials indicate the potential of improved efficacy of chemotherapy when administered in combination with bevacizumab and cetuximab. Trastuzumab results are ongoing, while marimastat has not obtained clinical developments even if it has demonstrated to be an active drug in this setting of patients.
Vecchione
Loredana
L
Second University of Naples, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology 'F. Magrassi & A. Lanzara', Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Surgery, c/o II Policlinico Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Orditura
Michele
M
Ciardiello
Fortunato
F
De Vita
Ferdinando
F
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational