The safety and efficacy of ramucirumab in combination with docetaxel in the treatment of lung cancer.
Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth, proliferation and metastasis with the crucial role of Vascular Endothelial Growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Ramucirumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the extracellular domain of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2. Areas covered: We performed a search on Medline to browse the current literature on Ramucirumab and anti-angiogenic agents, for the treatment of NSCLC. The REVEL study demonstrated a significant improvement of response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival by adding ramucirumab to docetaxel compared to docetaxel plus a placebo in second-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer, irrespective of histology, with an acceptable safety profile. This article has for objective to summarize efficacy and safety data of the use of ramucirumab in combination with docetaxel in second line in NSCLC. Expert commentary: REVEL constitutes the first significant advance in second-line setting for patients eligible to anti-angiogenic therapy. The landscape of post-platinum therapy in NSCLC is considerably evolving and the role of ramucirumab or other anti-angiogenic agents as nintedanib in this setting has to be discussed for each patient with other available treatment options, among which immune checkpoints inhibitors, as well as the best treatment sequence.
a Department of Medical Oncology , Léon Bérard Cancer Center , Lyon , France.
Valérie
V
Paulus
a Department of Medical Oncology , Léon Bérard Cancer Center , Lyon , France.
Virginie
V
Avrillon
a Department of Medical Oncology , Léon Bérard Cancer Center , Lyon , France.
Maurice
M
Pérol
Ramucirumab; VEGF; angiogenesis; docetaxel; non-small cell lung cancer; second-line