Sunitinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and imatinib-resistant/intolerant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
A meta-analysis of 10 prospective clinical studies in advanced RCC and GIST was performed to support the development of pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) models that account for the effects of important covariates. These models were used to make predictions with respect to the PK, safety, and efficacy of sunitinib when administered on the traditional 4-weeks-on/2-weeks-off schedule (Schedule 4/2) versus an alternative schedule of 2 weeks on/1 week off (Schedule 2/1).
The covariates found to have a significant effect on one or more of the PK or PD parameter studies included, age, sex, body weight, race, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, tumor type, and dosing schedule. The models predicted that, in both RCC and GIST patients, Schedule 2/1 would have comparable efficacy to Schedule 4/2, despite some differences in PK profiles. The models also predicted that, in both indications, sunitinib-related thrombocytopenia would be less severe when sunitinib was administered on Schedule 2/1 dosing compared with Schedule 4/2.
These findings support the use of sunitinib on Schedule 2/1 as a potential alternative to Schedule 4/2 because it allows for the management of toxicity without loss of efficacy.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!