Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Establishment of a Primary Culture of Patient-derived Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Published on: April 11, 2018
Pazopanib in the management of advanced soft tissue sarcomas
Lee D Cranmer1, Elizabeth T Loggers2, Seth M Pollack2
1Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Abstract:
Therapy of soft tissue sarcomas represents an area of significant unmet need in oncology. Angiogenesis has been explored as a potential target both preclinically and clinically, with suggestions of activity. Pazopanib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with prominent antiangiogenic effects. In a Phase II study, pazopanib demonstrated activity in strata enrolling patients with leiomyosarcomas, synovial sarcomas, or other sarcomas but not those enrolling adipocytic sarcomas. PALETTE, the pivotal Phase III trial, demonstrated improved progression-free survival versus placebo in pazopanib-treated patients previously treated for advanced soft tissue sarcomas. No survival benefit was observed, and adipocytic sarcomas were excluded. Health-related quality-of-life assessments indicated significant decrements in several areas affected by pazopanib toxicities, but no global deterioration. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicate that pazopanib therapy may or may not be cost-effective in different geographic settings. Pazopanib provides important proof-of-concept for antiangiogenic therapy in soft tissue sarcomas. Its use can be improved by further biological studies of its activity profile in sarcomas, studies of biological rational combinations, and clinicopathologic/biological correlative studies of activity to allow better drug targeting.
Insights
Pazopanib, an antiangiogenic drug, improved progression-free survival in advanced soft tissue sarcoma patients but not overall survival. Further research is needed to optimize its use and target specific sarcoma types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) present a significant unmet therapeutic need.
- Angiogenesis is a validated target in STS, with antiangiogenic agents showing promise.
- Pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exhibits potent antiangiogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pazopanib in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
- To assess the impact of pazopanib on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
- To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cost-effectiveness of pazopanib therapy.
Main Methods:
- Phase II study assessing pazopanib activity in specific STS subtypes.
- PALETTE trial: a pivotal Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled study in previously treated advanced STS.
- Health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- Pazopanib demonstrated activity in leiomyosarcomas and synovial sarcomas but not adipocytic sarcomas in Phase II.
- The Phase III PALETTE trial showed improved PFS with pazopanib versus placebo in advanced STS.
- No significant OS benefit was observed; adipocytic sarcomas were excluded from the Phase III study.
- HRQoL assessments revealed toxicities impacting specific functions but no global deterioration.
- Cost-effectiveness varied depending on geographic setting.
Conclusions:
- Pazopanib offers proof-of-concept for antiangiogenic therapy in STS, particularly non-adipocytic subtypes.
- Improved drug targeting and combination strategies are warranted.
- Further biological and clinicopathologic correlative studies are essential for optimizing pazopanib's role in STS treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies