Efficacy

Lenvima (Lenvatinib) Efficacy in Kidney Cancer

Lenvima, also known as lenvatinib, is a medication that has been approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the most common type of kidney cancer. It is often used in combination with everolimus, another cancer medication, after one prior anti-angiogenic therapy has been tried. Lenvatinib works by inhibiting various receptor tyrosine kinases that are thought to contribute to the angiogenic, or blood vessel forming, properties of cancer cells. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus significantly prolongs progression-free survival compared to everolimus alone, indicating an improvement in delaying the progression of the disease.

In a pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial, the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus showed a median progression-free survival of 14.6 months compared to 5.5 months for those treated with everolimus alone. Additionally, the objective response rate, which measures the percentage of patients with a significant reduction in tumor size, was notably higher in the combination therapy group. These findings suggest that lenvatinib, particularly when used in combination with everolimus, is an effective treatment option for patients with advanced RCC who have already received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

Fotivda (Tivozanib) Efficacy in Kidney Cancer

Fotivda, or tivozanib, is another targeted therapy approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Tivozanib is a potent selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. By blocking the VEGFR, tivozanib prevents the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen, which is essential for tumor growth. The approval of tivozanib was based on its ability to achieve a longer progression-free survival compared to other therapies in patients with advanced RCC.

In the Phase 3 trial known as TIVO-3, which led to its approval, tivozanib demonstrated a median progression-free survival of 5.6 months compared to 3.9 months for sorafenib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Additionally, tivozanib showed a favorable response rate and a manageable safety profile. The results from this trial support the use of tivozanib as an effective treatment option for patients with advanced RCC, including those who have failed previous regimens. It is particularly noted for its efficacy in the third-line setting, where treatment options are limited.