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Published on: September 12, 2019
Sorafenib for the treatment of renal cancer
1University of Bochum - Hematology and Oncology, Marienhospital Herne , Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne , Germany. dirk.strumberg@marienhospital-herne.de
Introduction:
Sorafenib was the first oral antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor (Raf kinases, VEGF receptors 1 - 3, PDGF-beta, Flt-3, c-kit) for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to be approved. Since 2005, a total of six drugs have been approved for the treatment of RCC.
Areas Covered:
The preclinical and clinical development of sorafenib that led to its approval for advanced RCC is reviewed in this paper. Its safety, tolerability and efficacy are summarized and compared with other approved treatment options for RCC. Preliminary data on sequential treatment strategies and combination trials with other targeted drugs are also discussed.
Expert Opinion:
The efficacy and good tolerability of sorafenib in patients with RCC has already been confirmed by numerous studies. The drug proved to be suitable for patients of any age, with respect to efficacy and safety. Sequential use of sorafenib and other targeted drugs is characterized by only limited cross-resistance and many studies seem to indicate more clinical benefits and longer overall progression-free survival when sorafenib is administered as a first-line therapy. However, the optimal sequential therapy remains to be determined within prospective trials, such as the SWITCH study. In addition, we need predictive biomarkers to preselect the patients with the best chances of benefiting from sorafenib, in the context of personalized medicine.
Insights
Sorafenib, the first oral multikinase inhibitor for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), shows proven efficacy and tolerability. Further research is needed to optimize sequential therapies and identify biomarkers for personalized treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sorafenib is the first approved oral antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Six drugs are now approved for RCC treatment since 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the development of sorafenib for advanced RCC.
- Summarize and compare its safety, tolerability, and efficacy with other RCC treatments.
- Discuss preliminary data on sequential and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical development of sorafenib.
- Summary of safety, tolerability, and efficacy data.
- Discussion of sequential and combination treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib demonstrates efficacy and good tolerability in RCC patients of all ages.
- Limited cross-resistance observed with sequential targeted drug use.
- First-line sorafenib therapy may offer greater clinical benefits.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for RCC.
- Optimal sequential therapy requires further investigation in prospective trials.
- Predictive biomarkers are needed for personalized medicine approaches.
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