What is Ziv-Aflibercept: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Ziv-aflibercept is a targeted cancer medication that helps fight certain types of advanced cancers by blocking the blood supply that tumors need to grow. This medicine works like a smart blocker that prevents cancer cells from creating new blood vessels to feed themselves, which can help slow down or stop tumor growth.

You receive this medication through an IV infusion at a cancer treatment center or hospital, where your medical team can monitor you closely. It's typically used alongside other cancer treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan designed specifically for your situation.

What is Ziv-Aflibercept?

Ziv-aflibercept belongs to a class of medications called VEGF inhibitors, which means it blocks specific proteins that help tumors grow blood vessels. Think of it as cutting off the supply lines that cancer cells use to get nutrients and oxygen they need to survive and multiply.

This medication is a laboratory-made protein that acts like a decoy, tricking the cancer cells into binding with it instead of creating new blood vessels. The drug was specifically designed to target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is like a signal that tells the body to make new blood vessels.

Your oncologist will determine if this medication is right for your specific type and stage of cancer. It's considered a precision medicine because it targets specific pathways involved in cancer growth rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells.

What is Ziv-Aflibercept Used For?

Ziv-aflibercept is primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, which means colon or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. It's specifically approved for patients whose cancer has continued to grow despite previous treatment with other medications.

Your doctor typically prescribes this medication when your cancer has not responded well to initial treatments or has returned after a period of improvement. It's usually given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to create a more comprehensive treatment approach.

The medication works best for cancers that depend heavily on creating new blood vessels to grow and spread. Your oncology team will evaluate your cancer's specific characteristics to determine if this targeted approach is likely to be effective for your situation.

How Does Ziv-Aflibercept Work?

Ziv-aflibercept is considered a moderately strong cancer medication that works by starving tumors of their blood supply. It acts like a molecular trap that captures growth factors before they can signal the body to create new blood vessels around the tumor.

When cancer cells try to grow, they release signals asking for more blood vessels to bring them nutrients and oxygen. This medication intercepts those signals and prevents the formation of new blood vessels, essentially cutting off the tumor's lifeline.

The process is gradual and may take several treatment cycles before you notice changes in your cancer markers or symptoms. Your medical team will monitor your response through regular blood tests and imaging studies to see how well the medication is working.

Unlike some chemotherapy drugs that directly attack cancer cells, this medication focuses on the environment around the tumor. This targeted approach can be effective while potentially causing fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy alone.

How Should I Take Ziv-Aflibercept?

You receive ziv-aflibercept through an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it's delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. The infusion typically takes about one hour and is given every two weeks at your cancer treatment center or hospital.

Before each infusion, your healthcare team will check your vital signs and may run blood tests to ensure your body is ready for the treatment. You don't need to fast or avoid food before the infusion, and you can eat normally on treatment days.

During the infusion, you'll be seated in a comfortable chair or bed where nurses can monitor you closely. Some patients find it helpful to bring a book, tablet, or music to help pass the time during the treatment.

You'll need to stay for observation for a short period after the infusion to ensure you don't have any immediate reactions. Your medical team will provide specific instructions about what to watch for and when to contact them if you experience any concerning symptoms.

How Long Should I Take Ziv-Aflibercept For?

The duration of ziv-aflibercept treatment varies significantly from person to person and depends on how well your cancer responds to the medication. Your oncologist will regularly evaluate your progress through blood tests, imaging studies, and physical examinations to determine if the treatment should continue.

Many patients continue treatment for several months, with some receiving it for a year or longer if it's effectively controlling their cancer. Your doctor will look for signs that the medication is working, such as stable or shrinking tumors and improved cancer markers in your blood.

Treatment may be stopped if your cancer stops responding to the medication, if side effects become too difficult to manage, or if your cancer goes into remission. Your healthcare team will discuss these decisions with you and explain the reasoning behind any changes to your treatment plan.

Regular monitoring appointments are essential throughout your treatment to assess both the effectiveness of the medication and any side effects you might be experiencing. These visits help your medical team make informed decisions about continuing or adjusting your treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of Ziv-Aflibercept?

Like all cancer medications, ziv-aflibercept can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them in the same way. Most side effects are manageable with proper monitoring and supportive care from your medical team.

The most common side effects you might experience include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, and mouth sores. These symptoms are often mild to moderate and can usually be managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments.

Here are the more common side effects that patients typically report:

• Fatigue and weakness that may affect your daily activities
• Diarrhea that can usually be controlled with medication
• Nausea and vomiting, which anti-nausea medications can help manage
• Decreased appetite and potential weight loss
• Mouth sores or throat irritation
• High blood pressure that requires monitoring
• Headaches that may range from mild to moderate

These common side effects are generally temporary and improve between treatments or can be managed with supportive medications. Your healthcare team will work with you to minimize these effects and maintain your quality of life during treatment.

Some patients may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. While these are less common, it's important to be aware of them and know when to contact your healthcare team.

Here are the more serious side effects that require prompt medical care:

• Severe bleeding or unusual bruising anywhere on your body
• Signs of blood clots, including leg pain, swelling, or shortness of breath
• Severe abdominal pain or signs of bowel problems
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe headaches or vision changes
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or persistent cough
• Severe high blood pressure symptoms like severe headache or blurred vision

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, contact your oncology team immediately or seek emergency medical care. Your medical team has experience managing these side effects and can provide prompt treatment when needed.

Rare but serious complications can include severe bleeding, blood clots, or problems with wound healing. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely for these potential issues and adjust your treatment plan if necessary to keep you safe.

Who Should Not Take Ziv-Aflibercept?

Ziv-aflibercept isn't suitable for everyone, and your oncologist will carefully evaluate your medical history and current health status before prescribing this medication. Certain conditions or situations may make this treatment too risky or less effective for you.

You shouldn't receive this medication if you have active, uncontrolled bleeding or have had recent major surgery. The medication can interfere with normal blood clotting and wound healing, which could create dangerous complications.

Here are the main situations where ziv-aflibercept is typically not recommended:

• Recent major surgery or planned surgery within the next few weeks
• Active bleeding or bleeding disorders
• Severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Severe liver or kidney problems
• Active blood clots or history of significant clotting problems
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Your doctor will also consider your overall health and other medications you're taking to determine if this treatment is safe for you. Some conditions may not completely rule out the medication but may require extra monitoring or dose adjustments.

If you have any concerns about whether this medication is appropriate for your situation, discuss them openly with your oncologist. They can explain the risks and benefits specific to your case and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

Ziv-Aflibercept Brand Names

The brand name for ziv-aflibercept is Zaltrap, which is manufactured by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. This is the name you'll see on your treatment records and insurance documentation.

Your pharmacy and medical team will use both the generic name (ziv-aflibercept) and the brand name (Zaltrap) when discussing your treatment. Both names refer to the exact same medication, so don't worry if you hear different terms used.

The medication is only available through specialized cancer treatment centers and hospitals that have experience with infusion therapies. Your oncologist will coordinate with their pharmacy to ensure you receive the correct medication at the right time.

Ziv-Aflibercept Alternatives

Several other medications work similarly to ziv-aflibercept by targeting blood vessel formation in tumors. Your oncologist might consider these alternatives if ziv-aflibercept isn't suitable for you or if your cancer doesn't respond well to it.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is probably the most well-known alternative, as it also blocks VEGF to prevent new blood vessel formation. Regorafenib (Stivarga) is another option that works through multiple pathways to slow tumor growth.

Other alternatives include ramucirumab (Cyramza), which targets a different part of the blood vessel growth process, and various combination chemotherapy regimens that don't include anti-VEGF medications at all.

Your oncologist will consider factors like your cancer type, previous treatments, overall health, and potential side effects when recommending the best treatment option for your specific situation. The goal is always to find the most effective treatment with the most manageable side effects for you.

Is Ziv-Aflibercept Better Than Bevacizumab?

Both ziv-aflibercept and bevacizumab are effective anti-VEGF medications, but they work slightly differently and may be better suited for different situations. Neither medication is universally "better" than the other – it depends on your specific cancer type, treatment history, and individual response.

Ziv-aflibercept blocks multiple growth factors (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PlGF), while bevacizumab primarily targets VEGF-A. This broader blocking action might make ziv-aflibercept more effective for some cancers, particularly those that have become resistant to bevacizumab.

Clinical studies have shown that ziv-aflibercept can be effective in colorectal cancers that have progressed despite previous bevacizumab treatment. However, bevacizumab has been studied in more cancer types and has a longer track record of use.

Your oncologist will consider your treatment history, cancer characteristics, and overall health when deciding which medication is most appropriate for you. If you've previously received bevacizumab, ziv-aflibercept might offer a different mechanism of action that could be more effective.