Discontinued drugs — oncology

104 discontinued or failed pharmaceutical compounds. Why they failed, sponsors, mechanisms, therapeutic area. Updated nightly.

Drug development has roughly a 90% failure rate. This tracker catalogues compounds that were halted in clinical development or withdrawn after marketing, with the documented reason and the sponsor. Useful for understanding what's worked vs. what hasn't in a given disease, mechanism, or class.

• (-)-Irofulven · Oncology
  Irofulven works by inhibiting the serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk2, a protein involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation.
• Doridamina · Oncology · lonidamine
  Doridamina works by inhibiting the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 2, which is involved in the production of energy within cells.
• Estracty · Oncology · Alkylating Drug
  Estramustine works by attaching an alkyl group to DNA, interfering with cell division and ultimately killing cancer cells.
• Methylglyoxal Bis(Guanylhydrazone) · Oncology · mitoguazone
  Mitoguazone works by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which is involved in DNA synthesis and repair.
• Pteramina · Oncology · aminopterin
  Pteramina works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division.
• Vadebex · Oncology · noscapine
  Vadebex works by inhibiting microtubule dynamics, which can lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.
• Vynfinit · Oncology · vintafolide
  Vynfinit works by binding to folate receptor beta, which is overexpressed in certain cancer cells, and delivering a toxic payload to these cells.
• SATRAPLATIN · Oncology · satraplatin
  Satraplatin works by inhibiting the enzyme DNA repair, which allows cancer-killing chemotherapy drugs to be more effective.
• MK-2206 · Oncology
  MK-2206 is an investigational AKT inhibitor studied in lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma trials, typically combined with other drugs.
• ABEQUOLIXRON · Oncology
  Abequolixron is being studied with Durvalumab in a small lung cancer clinical trial.
• ADA-011 · Oncology
  ADA-011 is being tested in a Phase 1 trial for patients with advanced solid tumors.
• ABAGOVOMAB · Oncology
  Abagovomab is a vaccine that helps the immune system fight ovarian cancer by targeting tumor cells.
• MOMETASONE · Oncology
  12.1 Mechanism of Action Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a corticosteroid demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory properties. The precise mechanism of corticosteroid action on allergic rhinitis is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation. In two clinical studies utilizing nasal antigen challenge, mometasone furoate nasal spray decreased some markers of the early- and late-phase allergic response. These observations included decreases (vs. placebo) in histamine and eosinophil cationic protein levels, and reductions (vs. baseline) in eosinophils, neutrophils, and epithelial cell adhesion proteins. The clinical significance of these findings is not known. The effect of mometasone furoate nasal spray on nasal mucosa following 12 months of treatment was examined in 46 patients with allergic rhinitis. There was no evidence of atrophy and there was a marked reduction in intraepithelial eosinophilia and inflammatory cell infiltration (e.g., eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and plasma cells).
• ACAPATAMAB · Oncology
  Acapatamab is a treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer studied in clinical trials with up to 212 participants.
• ABITUZUMAB · Oncology
  Abituzumab is being studied as a treatment for different cancers, including those that have spread to the liver.
• ABIVERTINIB · Oncology
  Abivertinib is being studied in trials for prostate cancer and in hospitalized patients to assess its safety and how the body processes it.
• LUCANTHONE · Oncology
  LUCANTHONE works by inhibiting DNA-(apurinic or apyrimidinic site) lyase, an enzyme involved in DNA repair.
• ABM-1310 · Oncology
  ABM-1310 is an experimental cancer drug tested in early trials for advanced tumors and BRAF-mutant cancers.
• vargatef · ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP · Oncology
• Folotyn · Acrotech Biopharma Inc. · Oncology
• Zactima · Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute · Oncology
• Jevtana · Bayer · Oncology
• Yervoy · Bristol-Myers Squibb · Oncology · CTLA-4-directed Blocking Antibody
  Yervoy blocks a protein called CTLA-4, which normally helps to turn off the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells.
• Iressa · David Adelstein · Oncology
• Olaparib Oral Product · Duke University · Oncology · PARP inhibitor (DNA repair inhibitor)
  Olaparib inhibits poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) enzymes to impair DNA repair in cancer cells with BRCA mutations or homologous recombination deficiency.
• Tazverik · Edwin Posadas, MD · Oncology
• Nexavar · Fujian Medical University · Oncology
• Arzerra · Glaxo Grp Ltd · Oncology · CD20-directed Cytolytic Antibody
  Arzerra works by binding to the CD20 protein on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.
• Daunorubicine · Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell'Adulto · Oncology
• Mogamulizumab-Kpkc · H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute · Oncology · Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Interaction [EPC]
  12.1 Mechanism of Action Mogamulizumab-kpkc is a defucosylated, humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to CCR4, a G protein-coupled receptor for CC chemokines that is involved in the trafficking of lymphocytes to various organs. Non-clinical in vitro studies demonstrate mogamulizumab-kpkc binding targets a cell for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) resulting in depletion of the target cells. CCR4 is expressed on the surface of some T-cell malignancies and is expressed on regulatory T-cells (Treg) and a subset of Th2 T-cells.
• Netupitant and Palonosetron · Helsinn Healthcare SA · Oncology · Substance P/Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]
  12.1 Mechanism of Action Netupitant is a selective antagonist of human substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptors. Palonosetron is a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor and little or no affinity for other receptors. Cancer chemotherapy may be associated with a high incidence of nausea and vomiting, particularly when certain agents, such as cisplatin, are used. 5-HT 3 receptors are located on the nerve terminals of the vagus in the periphery and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. Chemotherapeutic agents produce nausea and vomiting by stimulating the release of serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine. Serotonin then activates 5-HT 3 receptors located on vagal afferents to initiate the vomiting reflex. The development of acute emesis is known to depend on serotonin and its 5-HT 3 receptors have been demonstrated to selectively stimulate the emetic response. Delayed emesis has been largely associated with the activation of tachykinin family neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptors (broadly distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems) by substance P. As shown in in vitro and in vivo studies, netupitant inhibits substance P mediated responses.
• Remicade · Johnson & Johnson · Oncology · Monoclonal antibody
  Infliximab binds to TNFα, blocking its interaction with receptors, reducing inflammation and immune responses.
• Femara · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · Oncology
• Dacogen · Mayo Clinic · Oncology
• Oligomeric Procyanidin Complex · Medical University of South Carolina · Oncology · Botanical antioxidant, polyphenol
  Oligomeric procyanidins are plant-derived polyphenols that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially inhibiting advanced glycation end product formation.
• Ninlaro · Millennium Pharms · Oncology · Proteasome Inhibitor
  Ninlaro works by blocking the proteasome, a cellular complex that breaks down proteins, leading to cell death in cancer cells.
• Xmab5574 · Morphosys Us Inc · Oncology
  Tafasitamab works by binding to the CD19 antigen on B-lymphocytes, triggering an immune response against cancer cells.
• Broxuridine · National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Oncology · broxuridine
  Broxuridine works by mimicking the structure of thymidine, a building block of DNA, and inhibiting the enzyme thymidine kinase, which is necessary for DNA replication.
• Mithramycin · National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Oncology
• Vinorelbin · National Cancer Institute, Slovakia · Oncology
• Farydak · Novartis Pharmaceuticals · Oncology
• OBI-999 · OBI Pharma, Inc · Oncology · Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)
  OBI-999 is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Globo H carbohydrate antigen on cancer cells to deliver cytotoxic payload.
• Melflufen · Oncopeptides AB · Oncology
• Depo-Provera · Pfizer · Oncology · Progestin
  Depo-Provera works by binding to the progesterone receptor in the body, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy.
• Mektovi · Pfizer · Oncology
  Mektovi works by blocking a specific enzyme called MEK1, which is involved in sending signals that promote cancer cell growth.
• PF-06939999 in combination with docetaxel · Pfizer · Oncology · Small molecule inhibitor
• Pf-06804103 · Pfizer · Oncology · not specified
• Pf-06823859 · Pfizer · Oncology · Monoclonal Antibody
• Pf-06882961 · Pfizer · Oncology · Not specified
  Not specified
• Pf-07059013 · Pfizer · Oncology · Unknown
• Pf-07284890 · Pfizer · Oncology · Not specified
• Pf-07284892 · Pfizer · Oncology · unknown
• Pf-07921585 · Pfizer · Oncology · Small molecule inhibitor
• Pf-08046045 · Pfizer · Oncology · Small molecule inhibitor
• Taxol · Pfizer · Oncology · Microtubule Inhibitor
  Taxol works by binding to tubulin and preventing the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division.
• Tumor Tissue · Pfizer · Oncology · Not specified
• Bavencio · Pfizer · Oncology
• Aromasin · Pfizer · Oncology
• Anti-CD20 Targeting agent · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Days 1,8,15, and 22 of the first 28-day cycle and then on Day 1 of subsequent 21-day cycles. The ant
  Days 1,8,15, and 22 of the first 28-day cycle and then on Day 1 of subsequent 21-day cycles. The ant
• Anti-PD1 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Anti-PD1 PF-06801591
  Anti-PD1 PF-06801591
• Anti-VEGF · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Anti-VEGF IV (bevacizumab)
  Anti-VEGF IV (bevacizumab)
• Bevacizumab-EU · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · 15 mg/kg, IV on day 1 of each 21 day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or 25 we
  15 mg/kg, IV on day 1 of each 21 day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or 25 we
• Endocrine Therapy 1 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Endocrine Therapy 1
  Endocrine Therapy 1
• Endocrine Therapy 2 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Endocrine Therapy 2
  Endocrine Therapy 2
• Felmetatug Vedotin · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Given into the vein (IV; intravenously)
  Given into the vein (IV; intravenously)
• Gedatolisib · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Gedatolisib will be administered once weekly on the first day for each of the four weeks during the
  Gedatolisib will be administered once weekly on the first day for each of the four weeks during the
• Ontorpacept (TTI-621) · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Ontorpacept (TTI-621) will be administered by intravenous infusion.
  Ontorpacept (TTI-621) will be administered by intravenous infusion.
• PD-0325901 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology
  PD-0325901 stops cancer cells from receiving growth signals by blocking a protein called MEK that tells cells to multiply.
• PD-0332991 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · PD-0332991, 125mg, 3 cycles
  PD-0332991, 125mg, 3 cycles
• PF-06439535 (CN) · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Selective pathway inhibitor; presumed anti-angiogenic agent
  Selective inhibitor blocking proteins that drive abnormal cell growth and division in cancer cells.
• PF-06804103 + Palbociclib +Letrozole · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) + CDK4/6 inhibitor + aromatase inhibitor combination
  Triple-agent therapy combining estrogen receptor degradation, CDK4/6 inhibition, and aromatase inhibition to block estrogen signaling and cell-cycle progression in HR+ breast cancer.
• PF-06873600 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · PF-06873600 tablet for oral dosing
  PF-06873600 tablet for oral dosing
• PF-06940434 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · PF-06940434 is given intravenously (IV) every 2 or 4 weeks in a 28 day cycle or every 3 weeks in a 2
  PF-06940434 is given intravenously (IV) every 2 or 4 weeks in a 28 day cycle or every 3 weeks in a 2
• PF-07062119 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Selective pathway inhibitor
  PF-07062119 is a selective inhibitor targeting a key molecular pathway in gastrointestinal cancer cell proliferation.
• PF-07258669 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · MC4R antagonist
  PF-07258669 is a selective MC4R antagonist that blocks melanocortin-4 receptor signaling to increase appetite and food intake.
• PF-07260437 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Unknown oncology compound
  Mechanism of action unknown; experimental oncology compound discontinued during Phase 1 development.
• PF-07265028 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · PF-07265028 will be administered orally
  PF-07265028 will be administered orally
• PF-07265807 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Given 2 weeks on/1 week off
  Given 2 weeks on/1 week off
• PF-07329640 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Data not available
  Mechanism of action not disclosed in available data.
• PF-07820435 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Protease inhibitor
  PF-07820435 inhibits viral or cellular proteases to disrupt essential enzymatic processes required for viral replication or tumor cell survival.
• Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · RP2D of maplirpacept (PF-07901801) biweekly of maplirpacept (PF-07901801) from Phase 1 escalation in
  RP2D of maplirpacept (PF-07901801) biweekly of maplirpacept (PF-07901801) from Phase 1 escalation in
• SEA-TGT · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · solution in vials
  solution in vials
• Sasanlimab Prefilled syringe · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · prefilled syringe
  prefilled syringe
• ZEN003694 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · PO QD
  PO QD
• ZN-c3 · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · ZN-c3 tablet by mouth, in combination with encorafenib
  ZN-c3 tablet by mouth, in combination with encorafenib
• dacomitnib · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · patients with dacomitnib as first line treatment for advanced NSCLC with brain metastasis
  patients with dacomitnib as first line treatment for advanced NSCLC with brain metastasis
• encorafenib + binimetinib · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · This arm of the Strata PATH trial will assess the clinical benefit of Braftovi® (encorafenib) + Mekt
  This arm of the Strata PATH trial will assess the clinical benefit of Braftovi® (encorafenib) + Mekt
• sunitinib and capecitabine · Pfizer Inc. · Oncology · Sunitinib 37.5 mg po once daily Capecitabine 1000 mg po twice daily
  Sunitinib 37.5 mg po once daily Capecitabine 1000 mg po twice daily
• Olaparib 200-300 mg BID, daily · Repare Therapeutics · Oncology · PARP inhibitor (DNA damage response inhibitor)
  Olaparib inhibits PARP enzymes to block DNA single-strand break repair, inducing synthetic lethality in BRCA-mutant and HR-deficient cancers.
• Hu38Sb19 · Sanofi · Oncology · CD38-directed Cytolytic Antibody
  Isatuximab works by binding to the CD38 protein on cancer cells, triggering a response that leads to their destruction.
• oleum neutralicum · Semmelweis University · Oncology · Unknown; possibly vitamin D analog or immunomodulator
  Mechanism of action unknown; product appears to be a vitamin D3 formulation studied in hematologic malignancies.
• Gilotrif · Seoul St. Mary's Hospital · Oncology
• Darvias · Solasia Pharma K.K · Oncology
  Darvias works by inhibiting the enzyme glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1), which is involved in the cell's detoxification process.
• Zevalin · Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc · Oncology
• Zevalin · Spectrum Pharms · Oncology · CD20-directed Radiotherapeutic Antibody
  Zevalin works by binding to CD20 on B cells and delivering a radioactive dose that kills the cells.
• tbo-filgrastim · Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc. · Oncology · Leukocyte Growth Factor [EPC]
  12.1 Mechanism of Action Tbo-filgrastim is a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) produced by recombinant DNA technology. Tbo-filgrastim binds to G-CSF receptors and stimulates proliferation of neutrophils. G-CSF is known to stimulate differentiation commitment and some end-cell functional activation, which increases neutrophil counts and activity.
• Vindesin · The Lymphoma Academic Research Organisation · Oncology
• Locametz · Univ Ca Los Angeles · Oncology
  Locametz works by binding to glutamate carboxypeptidase 2, a protein overexpressed in certain types of cancer, allowing for visualization of cancer cells through PET imaging.
• Casodex · University Health Network, Toronto · Oncology
• Brentuximab · University of Arizona · Oncology
• Busulphan · University of Birmingham · Oncology
• Navelbine · University of California, San Francisco · Oncology
• Erismodegib · Washington University School of Medicine · Oncology
• Balversa · xCures · Oncology

See also

• All drugs (active development)
• 2025 readouts
• 2026 readouts