The VELOUR and VITAL studies recently demonstrated ziv-aflibercept improved overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), including those previously treated with bevacizumab, but did not improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer. Thus, VEGF-directed agents might be useful throughout the continuum of care in mCRC, but biomarkers are needed to identify patients likely to benefit.
Key Points
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When given with standard chemotherapy ziv-aflibercept improves survival in combination with standard chemotherapies in patients with pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer, but has limited efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer
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The toxicity profile of ziv-aflibercept is generally comparable to other VEGF inhibitors
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Angiogenic biomarkers are needed to further define patients who are sensitive or resistant to ziv-aflibercept, as well as other antiangiogenic agents
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H. I. Hurwitz has acted as a consultant for the following companies: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Regeneron, Roche/Genentech and Sanofi and has received research support from Roche/Genentech and Sanofi. J. M. Clarke declares no competing interests.
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Clarke, J., Hurwitz, H. Ziv-aflibercept: binding to more than VEGF-A—does more matter?. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 10, 10–11 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2012.197
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2012.197
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