Ischemic stroke in a patient with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer after treatment with ramucirumab
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
Guo-Yu Chen1, Wen-Chien Cheng1,2, Chih-Yen Tu1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have been widely investigated in the last 10 years, with particular attention paid to their adverse effects because of their efficacy in improving cancer patient survival. Previous research primarily focused on the monoclonal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab and its adverse outcomes. Reports show a higher risk of ischemic stroke, one of the most concerning clinically relevant events, after treatment with bevacizumab. However, few studies have examined the relationship between anti-VEGF receptor 2 monoclonal antibody ramucirumab and its adverse events. This article presents the case of a non-small-cell lung cancer patient who experienced a new ischemic stroke after treatment with ramucirumab. The findings suggest that further studies may be necessary to investigate the relationship between ramucirumab and the risk of ischemic stroke.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors can improve cancer survival but may increase stroke risk. A case study suggests ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF drug, might also be linked to ischemic stroke.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are crucial in cancer therapy, improving patient survival.
- Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, is associated with increased ischemic stroke risk.
- Limited research exists on adverse events, specifically ischemic stroke, linked to ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody.
Observation:
- This article details a case of a non-small-cell lung cancer patient who developed a new ischemic stroke.
- The patient had been treated with ramucirumab.
Findings:
- The case suggests a potential association between ramucirumab treatment and the occurrence of ischemic stroke.
- This contrasts with the more established link between bevacizumab and ischemic stroke.
Implications:
- Further research is warranted to investigate the relationship between ramucirumab and ischemic stroke risk.
- Understanding these risks is vital for patient safety and optimizing cancer treatment strategies.
