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What are the treatment options for medullary thyroid cancer?
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells. One of the treatment options for MTC is Caprelsa (vandetanib), a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of certain proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
How does Caprelsa treat medullary thyroid cancer?
Caprelsa is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the RET and VEGFR2 proteins, which are involved in the signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumor) [1]. By blocking these proteins, Caprelsa can help to reduce the growth and spread of MTC cells.
Effectiveness of Caprelsa in MTC treatment
A Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that Caprelsa significantly extended progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with MTC who had received prior therapy, compared to a placebo [2]. The trial found that patients treated with Caprelsa had a median PFS of 23 months, compared to 19 months for those receiving a placebo [2].
Common side effects of Caprelsa treatment
While Caprelsa can be an effective treatment for MTC, it can also cause a range of side effects, including diarrhea, rash, hypertension, and fatigue [3].
Patent information
The patent for Caprelsa expires in 2025 [4].
Competitive landscape
Caprelsa is currently the only FDA-approved treatment for MTC that targets the RET protein [1]. Other treatments, such as cabozantinib (Cometriq), have been approved for MTC, but these work by targeting a different protein [5].
Sources:
[1] Caprelsa (vandetanib) [Package Insert]. AstraZeneca. 2012.
[2] Wells SA, et al. (2010). A phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of vandetanib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(13), 2288-2295.
[3] Caprelsa (vandetanib) [Full Prescribing Information]. AstraZeneca. 2012.
[4] Vandetanib Patent Information. DrugPatentWatch.com.
[5] Cabozantinib (Cometriq) [Full Prescribing Information]. Exelixis, Inc. 2012.
Note: For the latest information on Caprelsa treatment and patent details, please refer to the official package inserts and regulatory documents from AstraZeneca and the FDA.