Axitinib, a novel anti-angiogenic drug with promising activity in various solid tumors

Abstract

Axitinib is an oral inhibitor of the VEGF, PDGF and colony stimulating factor-1 receptor tyrosine kinases and is currently in development by Pfizer Inc for the potential treatment of various solid tumors. Phase II trials with this agent alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs were reported in several types of malignancy, with activity observed in thyroid, pancreatic, lung, renal, breast and colorectal cancers, melanoma and other carcinomas. Although frequent side effects have included fatigue, hypertension, diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome and proteinuria, axitinib was well tolerated overall. Larger, randomized phase II/III studies were ongoing at the time of publication.