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Vandetanib (ZD6474) in the Treatment of Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Hari Deshpande1, Sanziana Roman, Jaykumar Thumar

  • 1Departments of Medicine.

Clinical Medicine Insights. Oncology
|August 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vandetanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with medullary thyroid cancer. This oral medication targets RET and VEGF pathways, offering a new treatment option for this rare cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Vandetanib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting RET, VEGFR-2, and EGFR.
  • Dual inhibition of growth factor pathways is a promising strategy for treating malignancies.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) treatment options are limited, particularly for advanced stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vandetanib in patients with medullary thyroid cancer.
  • To determine the optimal dose of vandetanib for MTC treatment.
  • To assess the impact of vandetanib on progression-free survival in MTC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Two Phase II trials investigated vandetanib at 100 mg and 300 mg daily doses.
  • A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover Phase II trial included over 300 patients.
  • Progression-free survival was the primary endpoint evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Vandetanib demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to placebo.
  • Phase II trials showed encouraging results supporting further investigation.
  • The drug's activity against RET and VEGF pathways is key to its efficacy in MTC.

Conclusions:

  • Vandetanib is a promising therapeutic agent for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.
  • FDA's ODAC recommended vandetanib approval based on positive trial data.
  • Targeted therapy with vandetanib offers a new avenue for MTC management.
Keywords:
ZD6474Zactimamedullary thyroid cancervandetanib

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