Tivozanib for the treatment of metastatic renal cancer

Abstract

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Drugs such as sorafenib, sunitinib and pazopanib act on the VEGF receptor pathway, but they can also inhibit other kinases, resulting in off-target toxicities. Tivozanib was developed due to its potency and selectivity against VEGF receptors 1–3. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile after oral administration and a long plasma half-life. In the Phase III TIVO-1 trial, it demonstrated a higher response rate and longer progression-free survival than sorafenib with a better side-effect profile. It is currently awaiting approval to be used in the first-line treatment of metastatic RCC. An early-phase trial has also shown its tolerability at full dose when given with the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus, suggesting its potential in combination treatment. This article examines tivozanib from its laboratory to clinical development, as well as its relevance and future role in the treatment of RCC in the era of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Keywords::

• renal carcinoma
• tivozanib
• tyrosine kinase inhibitor
• VEGF

Financial & competing interests disclosure

T Eisen has received honoraria from AVEO and Astellas for participation in advisory boards and lectures. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.