Zaltrap: A new drug for colon cancer
Zaltrap was approved by the FDA in the beginning of August 2012. It is also known as aflibercept, VEGF trap or, when used for macular degeneration, Eylea. By binding to and inhibiting vessel growth(angiogenic) growth factors, aflibercept inhibits tumor vessel production and supply.
Aflibercept has demonstrated efficacy in treating metastatic colorectal cancer in a recent randomized Phase III trial. The approval for colon cancer was based on a phase III trial. ZALTRAP, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is indicated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen.
Ith hs not fared as well in ither cancertypes. Aflibercept failed its primary endpoint of overall survival in the Vital phase III trial for second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although it improved the secondary endpoint of progression-free survival. It is also in trials for prostate cancer.
For Professional version, see here