Ramucirumab: A Review in Advanced Gastric Cancer.
Ramucirumab (Cyramza(®)), an intravenously administered, monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, is approved in the USA, EU and Japan (either as a single agent or in combination with paclitaxel) as second-line treatment in adults with advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. In two phase III trials (REGARD and RAINBOW) in this indication, overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly prolonged with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks compared with placebo, and with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks plus weekly paclitaxel compared with placebo plus paclitaxel. Ramucirumab had a generally acceptable tolerability profile in phase III trials; hypertension was the most common non-haematological adverse event of grade 3 or higher with ramucirumab (either alone or with paclitaxel). As the first antiangiogenic agent to provide significant survival benefit in patients with advanced gastric cancer, ramucirumab is a valuable option in the second-line treatment of advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand. demail@springer.com.
Sarah L
SL
Greig
Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
Gillian M
GM
Keating
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000096662:Ramucirumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D017239:Paclitaxel; D000096662:Ramucirumab