Multiple-dose up-titration study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and antitumor activity of apatinib in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

Background And Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and antitumor activity of apatinib, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor, in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma and evaluate the effect of dose titration on dosage optimization for individual patients.

Methods: Patient with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma progressed after at least one line of chemotherapy were enrolled. Apatinib was given orally once daily starting at 500 mg for 14 days, then up-titrated to 750 mg for 14 days, and then proceeded to a maximum dose of 850 mg.