The potential of sunitinib as a therapy in ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND
Sunitinib malate (SU11248; Sutent®; Pfizer, Inc., New York) is a multi-kinase inhibitor currently approved for use in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), imatinib-resistant/-intolerant gastrointestinal stromal tumours and progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease.


METHODS
This article describes the mechanism of action and of the pharmacokinetics of sunitinib; further, it summarizes Phase I and II trials on the clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety of this agent in the setting of ovarian cancer (OC) treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the current literature, sunitinib has shown modest antitumour activity and acceptable toxicity. Studies investigating the impact of horizontal and vertical combinations should represent a priority of future research. Although clinical Phase II trials on the use of sunitinib in the treatment of OC demonstrated an acceptable profile of AEs, a greater comprehension of the toxicity of this compound is recommended.
University of Genoa, San Martino Hospital and National Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Largo R. Benzi 1, 16132 Genoa , Italy +01139 010511525 ; +01139 010511525 ; simone.ferrero@unige.it.
Umberto
U
Leone Roberti Maggiore
Mario
M
Valenzano Menada
Pier Luigi
PL
Venturini
Simone
S
Ferrero
D018262:Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D017277:Drug Approval; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077210:Sunitinib
D007211:Indoles; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000077210:Sunitinib