What is axitinib/axitinib?

Axitinib/Axitinib is an important targeted therapy drug that is widely used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that originates in the kidney, especially when the cancer spreads to areas outside the kidney, it is called advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

Axitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). This drug works by interfering with intracellular signaling pathways. Axitinib can effectively block these kinases from sending growth signals to cancer cells, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and survival of tumor cells. Blockage of this signaling not only leads to the death of cancer cells but also reduces tumor growth. In addition, axitinib also possesses anti-angiogenic properties. Tumor growth requires adequate oxygen and nutrients, which are usually met through the formation of new blood vessels. Axitinib inhibits the formation of new blood vessels by cancer cells, thereby reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to the tumor, which creates conditions for the tumor to shrink or stop growing.

In clinical application, axitinib can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options. When used in combination with immunotherapy, the treatment effect can be improved. For example, axitinib can be combined with avelumab for first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. In addition, combination with pembrolizumab is also recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced kidney cancer. These combination therapies are designed to maximize treatment efficacy through synergistic effects, improving patient survival and quality of life.

Axitinib can also be used as monotherapy, especially for patients with second-line advanced renal cancer who have not responded well to other systemic therapies. Its flexible use allows doctors to develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific condition, providing effective treatment options for patients with renal cell carcinoma at different stages.

Reference materials:https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/axitinib