Background: The approval of sunitinib, sorafenib and temsirolimus has dramatically altered the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Bevacizumab plus IFN may also be added to the therapeutic armamentarium. Axitinib (AG-013736) is an oral and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Objective: Data supporting the development of axitinib for RCC are reviewed.
Methods: Preclinical and clinical data available for axitinib for RCC are presented.
Results: Axitinib inhibits VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 with picomolar potencies, and PDGFR-alpha, PDGFR-beta and c-kit with nanomolar potencies. Phase II clinical trials of axitinib in pretreated RCC following sorafenib or cytokine treatment have demonstrated promising activity accompanied by a favorable toxicity profile. Further development of axitinib for RCC is warranted.