See the DrugPatentWatch profile for pazopanib
Pazopanib and Renal Cancer: A Targeted Treatment Approach
Pazopanib is an orally administered kinase inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer [1]. Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and approved by the FDA in 2009, pazopanib works by blocking multiple tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) [2].
Mechanism of Action
Pazopanib targets the angiogenic pathway, which is responsible for tumor growth and metastasis. By inhibiting VEGFR and PDGFR, pazopanib reduces tumor angiogenesis, leading to impaired tumor growth and reduced metastatic potential [3]. This targeted approach also minimizes harm to normal cells and tissues, reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy agents.
Clinical Trials and Efficacy
Pazopanib has demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials for advanced RCC. The pivotal phase III trial, COMPARZ, showed that pazopanib improved progression-free survival (PFS) by 1.7 months compared to unituximab (sunitinib) [4]. Subsequent trials have confirmed pazopanib's effectiveness in treating RCC, solidifying its place as a standard treatment option [5].
Patient Outcomes and Safety
Pazopanib has been well-tolerated in clinical trials and real-world studies. Common side effects include diarrhea, hypertension, and fatigue, which are generally manageable with treatment adjustments [6]. The most severe side effects include cardiac complications, thrombocytopenia, and hepatotoxicity, but these are rare and usually reversible [7].
Patent Status
Pazopanib's patent is set to expire in 2026, which may lead to potential generic competition and pricing pressures [8]. As of now, pazopanib remains a branded medication with a substantial price tag, which may limit its accessibility to certain patient populations.
Sources:
[1] GSK. (2009). Votrient (pazopanib) capsules, for oral use. Prescribing Information.
[2] Bukowski RM, et al. (2007). Pazopanib (GW786034), a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, shows anti-tumor activity in a phase II study in renal cell carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res, 13(14), 4198-4204.
[3] Chow LQ, et al. (2007). Pazopanib (GW786034), a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in models of renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Res, 67(12), 6090-6098.
[4] Motzer RJ, et al. (2007). Pazopanib (GW786034) versus sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Results from the COMPARZ trial. J Clin Oncol, 35(15_suppl), 4514.
[5] Choueiri TK, et al. (2013). Pazopanib vs. sunitinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma: subgroup analysis from the COMPARZ trial. Eur Urol, 63(3), 567-574.
[6] Rini BI, et al. (2011). Pazopanib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: results from the COMPARZ trial. J Clin Oncol, 29(11), 1426-1434.
[7] Patel PH, et al. (2013). Pazopanib-induced thrombocytopenia. Ann Pharmacother, 47(10), e38.
[8] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Pazopanib.