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Sunitinib in solid tumors

Hui K Gan1, Bostjan Seruga, Jennifer J Knox

  • 1Princess Margaret Hospital, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|May 21, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sunitinib has transformed advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) treatment. Further research will explore its use in other cancers, potentially combined with chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Limited treatment options existed for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) until recently.
  • Targeted therapies like sunitinib have been developed, inhibiting key cancer-driving pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicity, and clinical applications of sunitinib.
  • To discuss potential uses of sunitinib in RCC, GIST, and other cancers.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search was conducted to identify relevant preclinical and clinical studies on sunitinib and related agents.

Main Results:

  • Sunitinib has significantly improved outcomes for advanced RCC and GIST.
  • Incomplete cross-resistance between targeted agents suggests potential for sequential or combination therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Sunitinib represents a major advancement in managing advanced RCC and GIST.
  • Its role in tumors not reliant on a single pathway, especially with existing cytotoxic options, requires further investigation.
  • Future trials will clarify sunitinib's utility in other cancers, possibly in combination regimens.

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