title: Axitinib: from preclinical development to future clinical perspectives in renal cell carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on extensive preclinical data and abundant evidence for clinical activity, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors are currently standard of care for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Axitinib is one of the most selective molecules in the class of anti-angiogenic agents, which confers an optimal profile between its safety and anti-cancer activity spectrum.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, the authors discuss the different stages that lead to the approval of axitinib in the clinic as well as the current perspectives for its clinical use with other promising therapies in mRCC such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In 2015, axitinib has emerged as one of the major agents used in mRCC. Based on robust preclinical data, this highly specific VEGFR inhibitor continues to be evaluated in different indications, including the adjuvant setting but also sequential administration with other molecularly targeted agents or combinations with immune therapies.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa Division of Hematology/Oncology and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center , Iowa City, Iowa, USA yousef-zakharia@uiowa.edu.
authors.forename: Yousef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zakharia
authors.forename: Kais
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zakharia
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rixe
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077784:Axitinib; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007191:Indazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007093:Imidazoles; D007191:Indazoles; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D000077784:Axitinib; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
keywords: axitinib; clinical; preclinical; renal cancer