Zaltrap: new treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer

1 May 2013

Zaltrap (aflibercept) is licensed for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed following oxaliplatin therapy, in combination with irinotecan, 5-FU and folinic acid (FOLFIRI).

Zaltrap is administered by intravenous infusion over 1 hour every two weeks and is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

PHARMACOLOGY

Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1 and 2. By binding to these receptors, it reduces the growth of blood vessels that supply tumours with oxygen and nutrients.¹

CLINICAL STUDIES

Aflibercept was investigated in a randomised, double-blind trial in 1,226 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had previously received oxaliplatin therapy, with or without prior bevacizumab.²

The addition of aflibercept to FOLFIRI significantly improved median survival relative to placebo plus FOLFIRI, from 12.1 months to 13.5 months, respectively. The overall response rate in the aflibercept plus FOLFIRI arm was 19.8% versus 11.1% for placebo plus FOLFIRI (p=0.0001).²

REFERENCES

View Zaltrap drug record

Further information: Sanofi

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