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Does Sutent shrink tumors?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 11, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Five times as many people with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) saw their tumors shrink with Sutent compared with those who were taking interferon α (IFNα). Studies also reported that, on average, people treated with Sutent lived more than twice the number of months without tumor progression compared to those taking IFNα. Overall, clinical trials have proven that Sutent is more effective than IFNα, but some people may not tolerate it well, and it has a black box warning for severe liver toxicity. Sutent is not a cure, and it may not be effective for everybody.

Research has shown:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms of liver problems during treatment with Sutent:

Sutent is an oral capsule that may be taken once daily to treat certain types of RCC and other advanced cancers. It may be taken every day or on 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off schedule. It has been associated with some serious side effects such as liver damage, severe bleeding, cardiovascular events, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. It may cause a yellow tinge to the skin and lighten hair color. It belongs to the class of medicines known as multikinase inhibitors. It may also be called a VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor.


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References
  • Sutent (sunitinib malate). Updated 09/2021. Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc https://www.drugs.com/pro/sutent.html
  • Sutent capsules. Sutent.com. https://www.sutent.com/advanced-RCC

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