Category: Hem/Onc Updates

The RECIST( Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors ) which measures tumor responses by imaging techniques including X-rays, CT scans and MRIs has been of less value whereas clinical benefit including Progression Free Survival remains more relevant when assessing efficacy of MKIs in metastatic Renal Cancer. The addition of Bevacizumab to Interferon alfa 2a was however not only associated with a significant improvement in progression free survival (10.4 months vs 5.5 months, HR =0.63, P<0.0001) but also overall response rate (31% vs 12%, P<0.0001) compared to Interferon plus placebo. This may be relevant if preoperative treatment for renal cancer is a consideration and this response rate efficacy parameter may also benefit patients who have symptomatic unresectable locally advanced Renal Cancer.

The survival benefit seen with Sunitinib is a major step in the right direction when it comes to treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The median overall survival was 26.4 months for sunitinib-treated patients compared with 21.8 months for IFN-α recipients (P=0.051) and objective response rate was 47% for sunitinib compared with 12% for IFN-alpha (P < .001). This should encourage more patients and convince more treating Oncologists to consider Sutent (Sunitinib) as first line treatment of metastatic Renal Cell Cancer.

There is now a drug that we’re very familiar with (AVASTIN) which is now available for Kidney Cancer. That gives us another option – besides the oral alternatives. One of these new regimens is Avastin plus Interferon

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