Renal Cell Carcinoma: A New Rx

Lenvima (lenvatinib) approved by FDA to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

That new drug is Lenvima (lenvatinib). It was approved for use in combination with everolimus in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who had previously received an anti-angiogenic therapy, according to a press release from the drug maker, Eisai.

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of kidney cancer.

In a study of Lenvima, patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who received it in combination with everolimus saw a 63% reduction in the risk of cancer progression or death — compared to everolimus alone. Patients who received Lenvima plus everolimus survived for an average of just over 10 months longer than patients who received only everolimus, according to Eisai.

Serious adverse reactions reported with Lenvima use included heart problems, hypertension and kidney failure, among several others. Common reactions included diarrhea, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, cough and stomach pain, among others.

Lenvima was previously approved in the US to treat a type of thyroid cancer.

Review Date: 
May 18, 2016