Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B): a novel attack on angiogenesis

Future Oncol. 2010 Jul;6(7):1085-94. doi: 10.2217/fon.10.75.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a critical hallmark of malignancy, and attempts to inhibit this process have characterized the age of biologic anticancer therapies for solid tumors. VEGF receptor-2 is the premier receptor responsible for many of the cancer-driven VEGF-induced spectrum of biologic changes, including modification of blood vessel structure and function, proliferation and migration. Unlike all clinically approved angiogenesis inhibitors, the fully human monoclonal antibody ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) specifically and potently inhibits VEGF receptor-2. Phase I clinical trials have shown safety across a wide range of ramucirumab doses with impressive, albeit early, evidence of both stable disease and partial responses in a variety of tumor types. In this article, we review the current data on ramucirumab and make comparisons with commercially available antiangiogenic agents.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacokinetics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Ramucirumab
  • Safety

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized