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Updated: May 13, 2026
A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing (Neo)adjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
Pazopanib, a new therapy for metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
Jaap Verweij1, Stefan Sleijfer
1Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, ' s-Gravendijkwal 230, Room He-116, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.verweij@erasmusmc.nl
Introduction:
Pazopanib (GW786034, Votrient®) is a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-focused multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor involved in inhibiting the angiogenesis pathway. The agent was recently registered for use in soft tissue sarcomas, a group of diseases with a major unmet medical need.
Areas Covered:
The relevance of angiogenesis in soft tissue sarcomas is discussed. These data were the basis to decide on the development of pazopanib in these diseases. The clinical pharmacology of pazopanib, as far as practically relevant, is summarized. After the first observations of possible activity in soft tissue sarcomas in the Phase I study, a Phase II and subsequent randomized placebo-controlled Phase III study were performed and are being put into perspective in this review.
Expert Opinion:
Pazopanib is an active drug for the treatment of chemotherapy-failing nonadipocytic soft tissue sarcomas. It almost triples progression-free survival significantly from 1.6 to 4.6 months in this heavily pretreated population. The safety profile is manageable, exemplified by the high dose intensity that can be achieved over time. Pazopanib can be considered as part of the standard of care for patients with soft tissue sarcomas.
Insights
Pazopanib significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas. This vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor offers a manageable safety profile, establishing it as a standard care option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Angiogenesis Inhibition
Background:
- Pazopanib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.
- It inhibits the angiogenesis pathway, crucial for tumor growth.
- Soft tissue sarcomas represent a group of diseases with significant unmet medical needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenesis in soft tissue sarcomas.
- To summarize the clinical pharmacology of pazopanib.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pazopanib in soft tissue sarcoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical data, including Phase I, II, and III studies.
- Focus on randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III trial.
- Analysis of progression-free survival and safety profile.
Main Results:
- Pazopanib demonstrated significant activity in chemotherapy-failing nonadipocytic soft tissue sarcomas.
- Progression-free survival nearly tripled, from 1.6 to 4.6 months.
- The drug exhibited a manageable safety profile with high dose intensity.
Conclusions:
- Pazopanib is an effective treatment for advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
- It represents a valuable addition to the standard of care for this patient population.
- The drug offers a significant survival benefit with acceptable toxicity.
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