R. Geng, Jin Li
Jan 2, 2015
Citations
1
Influential Citations
119
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Abstract
Introduction: Antiangiogenesis therapy plays an important role in cancer treatment. Apatinib mesylate, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, has been recommended as third-line treatment for metastatic gastric cancer patients. Areas covered: The current review summarizes the publications and conference reports relating to apatinib from preclinical and clinical research in gastric cancer. Apatinib showed good safety, tolerance and treatment efficacy in Phase I/II studies. In a Phase III study, apatinib prolonged the median overall survival of patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic gastric cancer by 55 days and the median progression-free survival by 25 days compared with placebo. Expert opinion: Apatinib is a new treatment option for advanced gastric cancer. Apatinib is expected to have a broader application when it has been evaluated worldwide. The key issues are to find biomarkers and overcome drug resistance.