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Sutent

sunitinib
Multi-Kinase Inhibitor FDA Approved 2006 Pfizer
1. Indications and Usage

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib; Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC); Progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic disease

2. Dosage and Administration

GIST and RCC: 50 mg orally once daily on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2)
pNET: 37.5 mg orally once daily continuously without a scheduled off-treatment period
Take with or without food

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

Capsules: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg

4. Contraindications

Refer to the complete prescribing information for contraindications. Sutent prescribing should account for patient-specific factors including hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients.

5. Warnings and Precautions
  • Hepatotoxicity: Liver failure (some fatal) reported. Monitor LFTs before each cycle.
  • Cardiovascular Events: Decreased LVEF and heart failure reported. Monitor LVEF at baseline and periodically.
  • QT Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes: Use with caution in patients at risk. Monitor ECGs and electrolytes.
  • Hypertension: Monitor and treat as needed. Suspend for severe uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Hemorrhagic Events: Including tumor-related hemorrhage (GI, respiratory tract).
  • Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism in up to 46% of RCC patients. Monitor thyroid function.
  • Adrenal Insufficiency: Monitor for signs/symptoms.
  • Jaw Osteonecrosis: Consider preventive dentistry prior to treatment.
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Fatigue (62%), diarrhea (61%), nausea (52%), mucositis/stomatitis (47%), vomiting (39%), dyspepsia (34%), decreased appetite (33%), abdominal pain (30%), hypertension (34%), skin discoloration (30%), rash (24%), hand-foot syndrome (29%)

Fatigue
62%
Diarrhea
61%
Nausea
52%
Mucositis/Stomatitis
47%
Vomiting
39%
Dyspepsia
34%
Hypertension
34%
Decreased Appetite
33%
Abdominal Pain
30%
Skin Discoloration
30%

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

7. Drug Interactions

Consult the complete prescribing information for drug interactions, including effects on CYP enzymes, transporters, and concomitant medications that may require dose adjustments or monitoring.

8. Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy

Consult the full prescribing information for pregnancy-related considerations.

Lactation

Refer to prescribing information for lactation guidance.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric safety and efficacy information is detailed in the full label.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment

Dose modifications for organ impairment are specified in the complete prescribing information.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Sunitinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that targets PDGFRα and PDGFRβ, VEGFR1-3, KIT, FLT3, CSF-1R, and RET. It inhibits tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis by blocking receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. The anti-tumor activity results from inhibition of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis, and metastatic progression.

Pharmacokinetics

Tmax: 6-12 hours. Half-life: 40-60 hours (active metabolite: 80-110 hours). Protein binding: 95% (sunitinib), 90% (metabolite). Metabolized primarily by CYP3A4. Primarily excreted in feces (61%).

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
FDA-Approved Tumor Types

Sutent has FDA-approved indications across the following cancer types covered on PipelineEvidence:

External Resources
Important Notice: This page is intended as a navigational reference to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Sutent. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions. Patient-specific factors should always guide clinical decision-making.