Anti-VEGF therapy in mRCC: differences between Asian and non-Asian patients

Y Wang1, T K Choueiri2, J-L Lee3

  • 1University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

British Journal of Cancer
|February 20, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

VEGF-targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) shows similar efficacy in Asian and non-Asian patients. Dose reductions due to toxicity may improve treatment duration and survival outcomes for both groups.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapies are used for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
  • Reports suggest potential ethnic differences in toxicity between Asian and non-Asian populations receiving VEGF-targeted therapy.
  • Comparative efficacy across ethnicities is not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and outcomes of VEGF-targeted therapy in Asian versus non-Asian patients with mRCC.
  • To investigate the impact of dose modifications on treatment outcomes in different ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

  • A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted.
  • Data were collected from Asian and non-Asian centers via the International mRCC Database Consortium.
  • Ethnicity, dose reductions, and patient outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The study included 1024 patients (464 Asian, 560 non-Asian) with a median follow-up of 29.4 months.
  • Dose modification rates were similar between non-Asians (55%) and Asians (61%).
  • After adjusting for risk groups, no significant differences in overall survival or progression-free survival were observed between ethnic groups. Patients with dose reductions due to toxicity experienced longer treatment durations and improved overall survival in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • VEGF-targeted therapy demonstrates comparable outcomes in Asian and non-Asian patients with mRCC when adjusted for risk factors.
  • Judicious dose reductions, particularly due to toxicity, may enhance treatment duration and survival in both populations.
  • Further direct comparative studies are warranted to confirm these findings.