The trial investigated the use of ramucirumab, an antibody developed to treat solid tumours that targets Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), a key receptor in the angiogenesis process. It showed that ramucirumab effectively inhibits a group of proteins that stimulate angiogenesis, a physiological process whereby new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing vessels, which plays a key part in malignant tumour growth. These proteins induce capillary growth in the tumour, supplying the nutrients that it needs.
The clinical trial was conducted on 355 patients with advanced gastric cancer, 238 of whom received treatment with ramucirumab, while 117 received placebo. All patients also received best supportive care. The ramucirumab treatment group showed improved median survival (5.2 months versus 3.8 months in the other group), better tumour control and a noteworthy reduction in the risk of disease progression or death. After six months of treatment with ramucirumab, patient survival in this group was 40%, while response to standard treatment was notably lower (below 20%).
Dr Josep Tabernero, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Director of the Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), and one of the co-authors of this study, confirmed that "the results of this study are important for several reasons. First, the study revives the idea that inhibition of the angiogenesis process plays an important role in gastric cancer, which can be used to achieve results in these patients. This is important because previous studies with the drug bevacizumab - which inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - did not show any significant benefit in this disease. Second, the study results open new avenues for patients with gastric cancer, offering more treatment options. Thirdly, new studies combining ramucirumab with chemotherapy drugs in gastric cancer are making us very optimistic about the outcome of these combinations, because of the synergies between the drugs. This is likely to change the way we treat gastric cancer in the future."
Study Finds No Survival Benefit for Gastric Cancer Patients
A more intensive postoperative chemotherapy regimen for high-risk gastric cancer patients did not improve their survival.
A more intensive postoperative chemotherapy regimen for high-risk gastric cancer patients did not improve their survival.
Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In Western countries, most patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have advanced disease at diagnosis, and treatment options are limited.
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Smoking Trends and Gastric Cancer in US Men
In US men, the contribution of H. pylori and smoking trends to the decline in gastric cancer.
In US men, the contribution of H. pylori and smoking trends to the decline in gastric cancer.
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Korean Scientists Determine Optimal Number of Screenings Required to Reduce Gastric Cancer Deaths
A new study has found out the number of times that people living in regions with a high risk for gastric or stomach cancer should be screened.
A new study has found out the number of times that people living in regions with a high risk for gastric or stomach cancer should be screened.
