What is Pazopanib in Cancer?

Pazopanib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in the treatment of several types of cancer. It works by targeting and inhibiting several receptor tyrosine kinases involved in cancer cell growth, blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and cancer spread. Pazopanib blocks several key proteins, including:

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) – involved in the formation of blood vessels supplying tumours.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) – contributes to tumour growth and blood vessel formation.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) – promotes cell growth and division.

c-KIT – a protein involved in certain cancers, particularly gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs).

By inhibiting these proteins, pazopanib slows tumor growth and reduces the tumor's ability to form new blood vessels that supply it, thereby limiting its ability to spread.

Approved Uses of Pazopanib:

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC):

Pazopanib is approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), specifically in patients with metastatic kidney cancer who have not been treated with other systemic therapies. It has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced RCC.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS):

Pazopanib is used to treat advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who have previously received chemotherapy. It is usually used in cases where the sarcoma is not amenable to surgery or radiation and has spread or is difficult to treat with other treatments.

How Pazopanib works:

Pazopanib works by targeting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and preventing tumor cell proliferation. Tumors need a blood supply to grow and spread, and Pazopanib helps reduce the tumor's ability to form new blood vessels (angiogenesis) by depriving the tumor of nutrients and oxygen. This slows tumor growth and, in some cases, may help control cancer progression.

Clinical Evidence:

Pazopanib has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced RCC and STS. However, it is not generally curative and is used to control the disease and manage symptoms.

In RCC, pazopanib has been shown to increase the time before cancer progresses, improving overall treatment outcomes in metastatic disease.

In STS, pazopanib has been found to provide benefits in terms of disease control in advanced disease, improving PFS in patients who have already undergone chemotherapy.

Common side effects of pazopanib:

Like other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, pazopanib can cause a variety of side effects, including:

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Skin reactions (e.g., rash, changes in skin color)

Liver function abnormalities (elevated liver enzymes)

Hand-foot syndrome (pain, redness, and peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)

Since pazopanib can affect the liver and cause high blood pressure, regular monitoring of liver function tests and blood pressure is necessary during treatment.

Dosage:

Pazopanib is usually taken as an oral tablet once daily, with or without food. The dose may be adjusted based on patient tolerance and any side effects experienced.

Conclusion:

Pazopanib is an important targeted therapy used primarily to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma. By inhibiting several receptors involved in cancer growth and angiogenesis, pazopanib may slow the progression of these cancers and improve quality of life. However, it can cause significant side effects, and close monitoring by healthcare professionals is necessary during treatment and Pazopanib Price in Malaysia.