Aflibercept (Zaltrap)

Aflibercept, marketed as Zaltrap, is a medication used to treat advanced colorectal cancer by blocking substances that promote tumor growth and blood vessel formation around the tumor. It works as a “decoy” receptor, binding to and inhibiting growth factors like VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor, which are involved in developing new blood vessels that nourish cancer. By limiting blood supply, aflibercept helps slow or inhibit tumor progression. It is usually administered alongside chemotherapy and is tailored for patients with certain types of advanced cancer to improve treatment outcomes.