Sarcoma Flashcards
Olaratumab in combination for advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (November 2016)
Olaratumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) and blocks binding of PDGF ligands. In a randomized phase II study comparing doxorubicin with or without olaratumab in previously untreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) from a variety of histologic subtypes, initial combination therapy was associated with improved median overall survival (27 versus 15 months) [49]. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, mucositis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were all more common with combined therapy. Based upon these results, and consistent with the recent approval of olaratumab in the United States for this indication [50], we suggest doxorubicin plus olaratumab rather than doxorubicin alone for first-line treatment of patients who cannot be cured with radiation or surgery and who have a type of STS for which anthracyclines represent appropriate chemotherapy.
