The effect of anti-VEGF drugs (bevacizumab and aflibercept) on the survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

• Main Authors: He K, Cui B, Li G, Wang H, Jin K, Teng L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2012-04-01
• Series: OncoTargets and Therapy
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/the-effect-of-anti-vegf-drugs-bevacizumab-and-aflibercept-on-the-survi-a9689

Kuifeng He1, Binbin Cui2, Guangliang Li1, Haohao Wang1, Ketao Jin1, Lisong Teng11Department of Surgical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, 2Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaAbstract: Significant progression has been achieved in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in recent years. This has been partly attributed to successfully incorporating new drugs into combination chemotherapy. In addition to the traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, molecularly targeted agents began to play an important role in the treatment of advanced solid tumors. To date, two classes of molecularly targeted agents have been approved for treatment of patients with mCRC: (1) antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents (such as bevacizumab and aflibercept) and (2) antiendothelial cell growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) agents (such as cetuximab and panitumumab). Aflibercept is a new member of anti-VEGF agents which has demonstrated efficacy for treatment of mCRC. With the commencement of clinical trials and basic research into aflibercept, more data from the bedside and the bench have been obtained. This review will outline the application of anti-VEGF agents by reviewing clinic experiences of bevacizumab and aflibercept, and try to add perspectives on the use of anti-VEGF agents in mCRC.Keywords: chemotherapy, tumors, antiangiogenic