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Sunitinib (Sutent)
Sunitinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks growth factor receptors (VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, FLT3) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation.
Sunitinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks growth factor receptors (VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, FLT3) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Used for Metastatic renal cell carcinoma, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sunitinib (Sutent) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sutent |
| Sponsor | Sponsor GmbH |
| Drug class | Multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Target | VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, FLT3 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Sunitinib inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR), and KIT, which are critical for tumor blood vessel formation and cancer cell survival. By blocking these pathways, it reduces tumor vascularity and directly suppresses cancer cell growth. This dual mechanism of anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative activity makes it effective against multiple cancer types.
Approved indications
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Thyroid cancer (medullary and differentiated)
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hand-foot skin reaction
- Hypertension
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Neutropenia
- Rash
- Hemorrhage
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of Sunitinib Malate to Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate (Lutathera) in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PHASE1)
- Comparing Retreatment of 177Lu-DOTATATE PRRT Versus the Usual Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Unresectable Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors, NET RETREAT Trial (PHASE2)
- Drug Repurposing in Thyroid Carcinoma: a Feasibility Trial (PHASE1)
- A Phase II Study of Sunitinib or Temsirolimus in Patients With Advanced Rare Tumours (PHASE2)
- Canadian Profiling and Targeted Agent Utilization Trial (CAPTUR) (PHASE2)
- Testing Sunitinib as Potentially Targeted Treatment in Cancers With cKIT Genetic Changes (MATCH - Subprotocol V) (PHASE2)
- Targeted Therapy Directed by Genetic Testing in Treating Patients With Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors, Lymphomas, or Multiple Myeloma (The MATCH Screening Trial) (PHASE2)
- Phase Ib/II Trial of Envafolimab Plus Lenvatinib for Subjects With Solid Tumors (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |