OBJECTIVES: Sunitinib is the standard care for first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a sunitinib regimen of 50 mg/day 2-weeks on/1-week off could maintain the same dose-intensity as the standard 4-weeks on/2-weeks off schedule, and provide the same efficacy in terms of objective response, progression-free survival and overall survival, while reducing drug-related toxicity.
METHODS: A total of 31 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma received sunitinib orally at the dose of 50 mg/day in a 2-weeks on/1-week off regimen until disease progression or intolerable toxicities occurred.
RESULTS: All enrolled patients were assessable in terms of toxicity and response. They received treatment for a median of 16 months (range 2.0-36.0+ months). A total of 13 patients (42%) obtained an objective response; disease stabilization was achieved in 10 patients (32%), whereas eight patients (26%) experienced disease progression. The most important toxicities were anemia, gastrointestinal effects, fatigue and hypertension, but they were all controlled.
CONCLUSIONS: Sunitinib 50 mg given orally in a 2-weeks on/1-week off regimen can provide a high response rate and avoid drug-related toxicities, achieving the same dose intensity as the standard schedule, and probably longer disease control.
Written by:
Neri B, Vannini A, Brugia M, Muto A, Rangan S, Rediti M, Tassi R, Cerullo C. Are you the author?
Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
Reference: Int J Urol. 2012 Nov 1. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2012.03204.x
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23113655
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