Zaltrap

• Zaltrap (aflibercept) is an anti-angiogenic drug used in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.
• It works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to survive and grow.
• Administration is via intravenous infusion, typically every two weeks.
• Common side effects include hypertension, proteinuria, and fatigue, while serious risks involve hemorrhage and gastrointestinal perforations.
• Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential throughout treatment to manage potential adverse reactions.

What is Zaltrap and How It Works

Zaltrap, also known by its generic name aflibercept, is a targeted therapy medication primarily used in oncology. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form, a critical step for tumors to grow beyond a microscopic size and spread throughout the body. By interfering with this process, Zaltrap aims to starve the tumor of its blood supply.

The mechanism of action for how does Zaltrap work involves binding to specific proteins in the body. Specifically, Zaltrap acts as a “VEGF Trap” by binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF). These proteins are crucial signaling molecules that promote the formation of new blood vessels. By sequestering these growth factors, Zaltrap prevents them from activating their receptors on endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of these cells, which are necessary for new blood vessel formation. This disruption ultimately limits the tumor’s ability to receive nutrients and oxygen, hindering its growth and metastasis.

Zaltrap Uses and Administration

Zaltrap is approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that has progressed after a prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen. It is typically used in combination with a fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) chemotherapy regimen. The decision for what is Zaltrap used for is made by an oncologist based on the patient’s specific cancer type, stage, and previous treatments.

Regarding Zaltrap medication information, it is administered intravenously (into a vein) as an infusion, usually over one hour. The recommended dose is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, given once every two weeks. This schedule aligns with the FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen. Patients receive Zaltrap on the same day as their FOLFIRI treatment. Before each infusion, patients undergo blood tests to check for potential side effects, such as proteinuria or changes in blood cell counts, which may necessitate dose adjustments or temporary interruption of treatment. It is crucial for patients to adhere strictly to the prescribed schedule and report any symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Managing Zaltrap Side Effects

Like all potent cancer treatments, Zaltrap can cause a range of side effects, some of which can be serious. Awareness and proactive management are key to ensuring patient safety and treatment adherence. Understanding Zaltrap side effects is crucial for patients and caregivers.

Common side effects often include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• Fatigue and asthenia (weakness)
• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Abdominal pain
• Headache

More serious, though less common, side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. These include severe hemorrhage (bleeding), gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestines), impaired wound healing, arterial thromboembolic events (blood clots in arteries), and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), a rare neurological disorder. Patients are closely monitored for these severe reactions throughout their treatment course. For instance, blood pressure is regularly checked, and urine tests are performed to detect proteinuria. Any unusual symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, or sudden changes in vision or neurological function, should be reported to the medical team immediately to ensure timely intervention and management.