Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B): a novel attack on angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is a critical hallmark of malignancy, and attempts to inhibit this process have characterized the age of biologic anticancer therapies for solid tumors. VEGF receptor-2 is the premier receptor responsible for many of the cancer-driven VEGF-induced spectrum of biologic changes, including modification of blood vessel structure and function, proliferation and migration. Unlike all clinically approved angiogenesis inhibitors, the fully human monoclonal antibody ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) specifically and potently inhibits VEGF receptor-2. Phase I clinical trials have shown safety across a wide range of ramucirumab doses with impressive, albeit early, evidence of both stable disease and partial responses in a variety of tumor types. In this article, we review the current data on ramucirumab and make comparisons with commercially available antiangiogenic agents.
Spratlin
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada. jennifer.spratlin@albertahealthservices.ca
Mulder
Karen E
KE
Mackey
John R
JR
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012449:Safety; D000096662:Ramucirumab
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000096662:Ramucirumab