In a nutshell
This study estimated survival gain with the addition of aflibercept (Zaltrap) to standard chemotherapy among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Some background
A combination chemotherapy regimen referred to as FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan) is considered the standard of care in the treatment of metastatic (wide spread) colorectal cancer. Angiogenesis inhibitors, such as bevacizumab (Avastin) or aflibercept, prevent the formation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth, and are often used in combination with chemotherapy. The current study analyzed previous treatment results to estimate the potential gain to overall survival with the addition of aflibercept to FOLFIRI chemotherapy.
Methods & findings
The outcomes of 612 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with a combination of aflibercept and FOLFIRI were compared to those of 614 patients treated with FOLFIRI and a placebo. Estimated overall survival with combination aflibercept plus FOLFIRI treatment was 22.8 months, compared to 18.1 months for FOLFIRI plus placebo. Survival gain with the addition of aflibercept was estimated to be 4.7 months.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the addition of aflibercept to FOLFIRI chemotherapy improves long term overall survival among metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
The fine print
This study employed a computer analysis model to estimate patient survival from data collected in previous studies. This study was funded by Sanofi and Regeneron pharmaceuticals, which develop and manufacture aflibercept (Zaltrap).
Published By :
British Journal of Cancer
Date :
Sep 17, 2013
