The potential role of nintedanib in treating colorectal cancer

Antonio Rossi, Tiziana Pia Latiano, Paola Parente, Cinzia Chiarazzo, Filomena Limosani, Gabriele Di Maggio, Evaristo Maiello

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Angiogenesis leads to the growth, progression, and metastases of a variety of solid tumors, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), involving particularly the family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors (VEGFR). Several anti-angiogenic inhibitors are already registered for mCRC therapy: bevacizumab, aflibercept, ramucirumab, regorafenib. Nintedanib is a new triple angiokinase oral inhibitor that potently blocks the proangiogenic pathways mediated by VEGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). Areas covered: The current state-of-the-art of anti-angiogenic inhibitors employed in the treatment mCRC patients, and in particular the role of nintedanib in this setting, is reviewed and discussed here. A structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature and of main meetings using a focused review question was undertaken. Expert opinion: In first-line therapy, a phase II randomized trial showed that nintedanib plus chemotherapy was not inferior to the bevacizumab-based regimen. In heavily pretreated mCRC patients nintedanib improved some outcomes. During the natural history of mCRC resistances to anti-angiogenic therapies can set in and in this context, nintedanib, due to its triple inhibition, might play a role in compensatory angiogenesis overcoming the resistance developed due to VEGF directed therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1153-1162
Number of pages10
JournalExpert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Volume18
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 24 2017

Keywords

  • Aflibercept
  • angiogenesis
  • bevacizumab
  • colorectal cancer
  • mCRC
  • nintedanib
  • ramucirumab
  • regorafenib

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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