Does axitinib (Inlida) require long-term use and the risks of long-term use?

Axitinib is an oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly used to treat solid tumors such as advanced renal cell carcinoma. Since most of these malignant tumors are chronic progressive diseases, axitinib cannot completely eliminate cancer cells in the short term, so it usually needs to be taken for a long time or even continuously to inhibit tumor growth and prevent recurrence. Clinical data shows that continued use can significantly extend the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients. However, whether to use the drug for a long time depends on the individual's condition, tumor control, and tolerance of adverse reactions, and is decided by a doctor after a comprehensive evaluation.

During long-term use of axitinib, patients need to receive regular monitoring and follow-up, including blood pressure, liver and kidney function, thyroid function and routine blood tests. The dose of the drug should be dynamically adjusted according to the patient's tolerance. Once obvious side effects occur, such as hypertension, proteinuria, stomatitis, rash, or hand-foot syndrome, the doctor should be reported promptly so that the dose can be adjusted or the drug can be temporarily discontinued. Standardized monitoring and management are key to ensuring both efficacy and safety in long-term treatment.

Long-term use of axitinib also carries certain risks. Common chronic adverse reactions include hypertension, fatigue, hypothyroidism, abnormal liver function and gastrointestinal discomfort. Some patients may develop drug resistance during long-term treatment, causing the drug's efficacy to gradually weaken, and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Since axitinib works by inhibiting the angiogenesis pathway, long-term use may also affect normal tissue repair and wound healing. Therefore, the medication should be continued under the guidance of a professional doctor and avoid increasing or decreasing the dose on your own.
Overall, long-term use of axitinib is a necessary and effective treatment for most advanced patients, but both efficacy and safety must be taken into consideration. Patients should maintain good living habits, pay attention to a light diet, regular work and rest, and return for regular follow-up consultations so that the doctor can evaluate the treatment response. In the future, with the development of precision medicine, medication strategies targeting individual differences may further optimize long-term treatment effects, helping patients prolong their survival while improving their quality of life.
Reference: https://www.drugs.com/