Sutent (sunitinib malate) launched for treatment of advanced kidney cancer
22 January 2007
Pfizer Ltd announced today the launch of sunitinib (Sutent®), a novel 'multi-targeted' anti-cancer agent, for the first line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) also known as advanced kidney cancer. Regulatory authorities granted the licence following a review of new data which showed that sunitinib halved the risk of the tumour growing again (progressing), or the patient dying, compared to those receiving interferon-alpha*, the current standard of care.
Pivotal Phase III data
Results from a randomised study evaluating sunitinib as first-line treatment for mRCC compared with the current standard interferon-alpha, demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) – the length of time before the cancer progressed – of 11 months vs 5 months respectively.
The objective response rate (tumour shrinkage in response to treatment) was also five times higher in patients treated with sunitinib (31%) compared with patients treated with interferon-alpha (6%).
Dr Paul Nathan, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hertfordshire welcomed the launch: "The strength of the data alone supporting the use of sunitinib in patients with this deadly form of cancer is very encouraging. The treatment options previously available to us in the kidney cancer community have been limited and inadequate for the majority of patients. This is a very important day for the future treatment of patients with this devastating cancer.”
Only five months after receiving fast tracked approval for use after failure of interferon-alpha, the launch of sunitinib as a first line treatment represents a significant step forward for the estimated 6,600 kidney cancer patients diagnosed each year in the UK. An oral treatment, sunitinib is a novel addition to a new class of 'multi-targeted' anti-cancer drugs. Sunitinib targets the tumour with a dual action strategy, by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying and cutting off the tumour’s blood supply.
James Whale, Chairman of the recently launched James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, expressed his reaction to the latest approval of Sutent, “Until now people with advanced kidney cancer have had little hope of extended life. The availability of Sutent for the treatment of this over-looked form of cancer is testament to the importance of continued funding into research to help alleviate the suffering of these patients”.
