Sunitinib malate for the treatment of pancreas malignancies – where does it fit?

Abstract

Introduction: Sunitinib, a broad-spectrum multikinase inhibitor, was recently approved for use in progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Its mechanism of action affects various signaling cascades involving antiangiogenesis and tumor proliferation, including vascular endothelial growth factors and platelet-derived growth factors.

Areas covered: In this article, we review sunitinib's mechanism of action at a molecular level and review key preclinical and clinical studies for pNETs and more limited data regarding sunitinib's evaluation in pancreas adenocarcinoma. The data for sunitinib in pNETs are placed in the context of the changing landscape of therapeutic options for this cancer, and relevant ongoing clinical trials and future directions are highlighted.

Expert opinion: Sunitinib malate has become integrated into routine clinical management for pNETs; however, its role in pancreas adenocarcinoma is not established.

Keywords::

• pancreas adenocarcinoma
• pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
• sunitinib
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors