Exploration of potential prognostic biomarkers in aflibercept plus FOLFIRI in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Aflibercept plus 5‐fluorouracil/levofolinate/irinotecan (FOLFIRI) is a second‐line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. This ancillary exploratory analysis of data in Japanese people was aimed at exploring the relationship between a set of potential prognostic biomarkers and efficacy endpoints following aflibercept plus FOLFIRI therapy. Sixty‐two patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received aflibercept (4 mg/kg) plus FOLFIRI every 2 weeks. Seventy‐eight potential protein biomarkers were chosen for analysis based on their roles in angiogenesis, tumor progression, and tumor‐stroma interaction. Plasma levels of biomarkers at baseline and at pre‐dose 3 (day 1 of treatment cycle 3) were measured in all patients by ELISA. Relationships between these levels and efficacy endpoints were assessed. Ten potential biomarkers had a ±30% change from baseline to pre‐dose 3 (adjusted P