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Shrinkage of prostate volume in sunitinib-treated patients with renal cell carcinoma
Takashi Hatano1, Gen Ishii, Katsuhisa Endo
1*Department of Urology, JR Tokyo General Hospital, 2-3-1 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8528, Japan. urohata@hotmail.co.jp.
Abstract:
Sunitinib is widely used to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma; however, its influences on the prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms remain unclear. To investigate the influence of sunitinib on clinical findings of urinary tract, we recruited a total of 20 male patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who are treated with sunitinib. We evaluated clinical findings during clinical visits over 24 weeks: International Prostate Symptom Score, urine flow rate, residual urine volume, serum prostate-specific antigen level and prostate volume. Residual urine and prostate volumes were significantly decreased at Week 24. The residual urine volume was especially decreased in patients with a high residual volume at baseline. No differences were observed in the International Prostate Symptom Score total score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life score, maximal urinary flow rate or prostate-specific antigen level. We observed a reduction in prostate volume and an improvement in urinary symptoms through relief from urinary tract obstruction during sunitinib treatment. Careful attention to urinary functions and drug dose adjustment seems to be necessary in patients with comorbid benign prostatic hyperplasia or dysuria.
Insights
Sunitinib treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma may reduce prostate volume and improve urinary obstruction symptoms. Careful monitoring of urinary function is advised for patients with pre-existing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- The effects of sunitinib on prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms are not well understood.
Observation:
- A study monitored 20 male patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma undergoing sunitinib treatment over 24 weeks.
- Evaluated parameters included International Prostate Symptom Score, urine flow rate, residual urine volume, prostate-specific antigen, and prostate volume.
Findings:
- Sunitinib treatment led to significant reductions in residual urine and prostate volumes by Week 24.
- Improvements in residual urine volume were more pronounced in patients with higher baseline volumes.
- No significant changes were observed in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life scores, maximal urinary flow rate, or prostate-specific antigen levels.
Implications:
- Sunitinib may offer benefits beyond cancer treatment by reducing prostate volume and alleviating urinary obstruction.
- Close monitoring of urinary function is recommended during sunitinib therapy, especially in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or dysuria.
- Potential dose adjustments may be necessary to manage urinary side effects.
