Emerging oral VEGF inhibitors for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased in recent years and, unfortunately, many patients initially present with metastatic disease. When surgery is not an option, treatment involves administration of targeted therapies. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has been identified as an important mediator for the development of RCC. Numerous agents target VEGF-mediated signaling, yet resistance and progressive disease still persists. Novel small molecule VEGF inhibitors with high affinity for the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) have been discovered and are currently under investigation for the management of RCC.

The VEGFR pathway, its aberrant signaling, and the agents under development that inhibit VEGFR signaling are discussed. The mechanism(s), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and toxicity of these investigational agents are also reviewed.

Management of metastatic RCC involves combination immunotherapy or administration of oral VEGFR inhibitors and largely depends on risk stratification. Emerging and investigational oral VEGFR inhibitors, given as monotherapy or in combination with immunotherapy, could augment current treatment approaches and may mitigate toxicities associated with VEGFR inhibition.