Lenvatinib, everolimus, and the combination in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a randomised, phase 2, open-label, multicentre trial

New drug: Lenvatinib for thyroid and renal cell cancer

“…Patients treated with lenvatinib alone also had a longer progression-free survival (7.4 months) than those taking everolimus. 3 As tyrosine kinase inhibitors affect endothelial cells, they cause adverse effects such as thrombosis, bleeding and hypertension. 1 In the study of thyroid cancer, 68% of the patients taking lenvatinib developed hypertension compared with 9% of the placebo group.…”

“…These were all more frequent than reported in patients taking everolimus or placebo. 2,3 Adverse events led to the discontinuation of treatment in 14% of the patients taking lenvatinib for thyroid cancer. 2 In the study of renal cancer, 25% of the patients taking lenvatinib and 24% of those taking it with everolimus stopped treatment because of adverse events, compared with 12% taking everolimus alone.…”

“…2 In the study of renal cancer, 25% of the patients taking lenvatinib and 24% of those taking it with everolimus stopped treatment because of adverse events, compared with 12% taking everolimus alone. 3 Some adverse events, such as cerebral haemorrhage and pulmonary embolism, were fatal. 2,3 Many patients will need to have their treatment reduced or interrupted because of toxicity.…”

“…3 Some adverse events, such as cerebral haemorrhage and pulmonary embolism, were fatal. 2,3 Many patients will need to have their treatment reduced or interrupted because of toxicity. Patients with renal impairment are more prone to serious adverse effects.…”

“…In the trial of renal cancer more than 35% of the patients taking lenvatinib developed hypothyroidism. 3 Liver function has to be frequently monitored because of the risk of hepatotoxicity. Other serious adverse effects include gastrointestinal fistula and perforation and proteinuria.…”