Dr. Kim on Administering Aflibercept in mCRC

Richard Kim, MD, medical oncologist, Gastrointestinal Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the use of ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

In August 2012, aflibercept was approved for mCRC patients in combination with FOLFIRI following progression on an oxaliplatin-based regimen. In the phase III VELOUR trial, patients saw an overall survival benefit with aflibercept and FOLFIRI versus FOLFIRI alone.

Kim says that each of the therapies approved for mCRC (bevacizumab, aflibercept, and EGFR inhibitors) are effective. Ultimately, the decision regarding the optimal treatment should remain up to the physician. Kim says that he feels aflibercept should be used in patients who progress quickly while being treated with bevacizumab in first-line, as they could see the most benefit.