Cyramza is the brand name for ramucirumab. It is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It is given by injection into a vein, usually in a hospital or clinic. It is used to treat certain types of cancer, most often when the disease has spread or other treatments have not worked.

Mechanism of Action

Cancer cells need to make new blood vessels to grow and spread. This process is called angiogenesis. Cyramza works by blocking a receptor called VEGFR-2 that controls the growth of these blood vessels. By blocking this signal, the medicine slows down or stops the supply of blood to the cancer, which helps to slow its growth.

Uses

Cyramza is used for:

• Stomach cancer and cancer at the junction of the stomach and food pipe

• Colorectal cancer

• Non small cell lung cancer

• Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)

  Adverse Effects

  Common side effects include high blood pressure, tiredness, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, and swelling in hands or feet.
  More serious risks include bleeding, blood clots, wound healing problems, stomach or bowel perforation, and infusion related reactions such as chills or difficulty breathing.
  Because it affects blood vessels, regular monitoring by doctors is required during treatment.