FDA approves Votrient (pazopanib)-10/20/2009
(10/20/2009) – The FDA approved Votrient (pazopanib) today for the treatment of kidney cancer. This makes the 3rd drug approved this year alone. Afinitor (March) and Avastin (May) were approved earlier this year.
Pazopanib was approved on placebo results alone. Further studies will be conducted to determine the full side effects associated with this drug.
This drug inhibits the growth of new blood vessels that feeds the tumor. Results have shown that this drug has a medium PFS (Progression Free Survival) from less than 3 months to just over 11 months.
Pazopanib has a lower risk of rash and fatique. Some patients did develope diarrhea, hypertension and nausea. There is a risk of severe liver damage (although rare).
Another drug that is currently being looked into is axitinib. Both Pazopanib and axitinib have a better side effect profile than previous drugs.
The challenge for doctors is which drugs to choose first.
