title: Sunitinib malate for the treatment of pancreas malignancies--where does it fit?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sunitinib , a broad-spectrum multikinase inhibitor, was recently approved for use in progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Its mechanism of action affects various signaling cascades involving antiangiogenesis and tumor proliferation, including vascular endothelial growth factors and platelet-derived growth factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this article, we review sunitinib's mechanism of action at a molecular level and review key preclinical and clinical studies for pNETs and more limited data regarding sunitinib's evaluation in pancreas adenocarcinoma. The data for sunitinib in pNETs are placed in the context of the changing landscape of therapeutic options for this cancer, and relevant ongoing clinical trials and future directions are highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sunitinib malate has become integrated into routine clinical management for pNETs; however, its role in pancreas adenocarcinoma is not established.
authors: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Department of Medicine, New York, USA.
authors: Pavan
authors: P
authors: Mankal
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: O'Reilly
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077210:Sunitinib
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007211:Indoles; D011758:Pyrroles; D000077210:Sunitinib