title: The safety and efficacy of ramucirumab in combination with paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gastric cancer (GC) is a health problem. Platinum and fluoropyrimidine-based combinations have been established as first-line drugs used worldwide. However, there are no other options for treatment if first-line therapy fails. Therefore, second-line treatment options are needed. Targeted therapies have optimized the results of chemotherapy, specifically trastuzumab as a first-line and ramucirumab in second-line.
  
  
  METHODS
  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) are involved in the pathogenesis of GC. Clinical studies have evaluated VEGFR-2 blocked in second line. Two phase III trials using ramucirumab alone or associated to paclitaxel have demonstrated that second-line therapy could improve the survival of patients with GC. Expert commentary: VEGF-2 receptor blockade is effective at treating GC. The combination of paclitaxel with ramucirumab can be used to establish an angiogenic blockade in second-line therapy. The magnitude of the treatment effect suggests that this combination should be used as the current standard.
authors: a Department of Hemato-Oncology , Pontifical Catholic University of Chile , Santiago , Chile.
authors: Marcelo
authors: M
authors: Garrido
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D015996:Survival Rate; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000096662:Ramucirumab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D017239:Paclitaxel; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; D000096662:Ramucirumab
keywords: Advanced gastric cancer; overall survival; paclitaxel; ramucirumab; safety; target therapy