Sunitinib

Sunitinib is an oral targeted therapy medication, often prescribed for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). It is part of a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors, which work by targeting specific proteins in cancer cells and slowing down their growth and spread.
For kidney cancer, Sunitinib is typically used as an adjuvant therapy in patients who have undergone surgery to remove the tumor, aiming to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. It is also utilized as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced kidney cancer who are not candidates for surgery. In the case of GIST, Sunitinib is considered a frontline therapy option for patients with tumors that are either inoperable or have returned after previous treatment.
The medication comes in capsule form and is taken once daily for a specific number of weeks, followed by a break to minimize side effects. Sunitinib is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider if they experience any adverse effects or if the side effects become severe.