Axitinib

Axitinib is an oral medication used to treat advanced kidney cancer in patients who have already undergone one or more prior treatment regimens. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Axitinib is specifically designed to target a specific receptor called vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), which plays a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors. By blocking the activity of VEGFR, axitinib inhibits the growth of these new blood vessels, thereby slowing down the growth of the cancer and reducing its spread to other parts of the body.
In clinical trials, axitinib has demonstrated efficacy in prolonging progression-free survival and improving overall survival rates in patients with advanced kidney cancer. The medication is typically taken once daily, with or without food, and can be taken alongside other targeted therapies or immunotherapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Axitinib can cause various side effects, such as high blood pressure, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Therefore, patients receiving this medication should be closely monitored by their healthcare team and advised on appropriate lifestyle modifications and potential interventions to manage these side effects.