Axitinib is an oral and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1, 2 and 3, receptors that can influence tumor growth, vascular angiogenesis and progression of cancer (the spread of tumors).
The results of the trial suggested that PFS was longer in the patients treated with axitinib, compared to the patient treated with sorafenib.
Objective response rates (either complete or partial responses investigated by independent central review) were more than doubled with axitinib compared to sorafenib in the overall patient population.
Currently, Pfizer is working with global health authorities on filing submissions for axitinib in RCC.
Pfizer Oncology Business Unit Clinical Development and Medical Affairs senior vice president Mace Rothenberg said they are very pleased that this Phase 3 trial met its primary endpoint and demonstrated that axitinib could prolong median PFS to more than six months in patients with previously treated advanced RCC.
"We hope that axitinib will be approved as an additional therapeutic option for patients with advanced RCC, alongside Pfizer’s two medications approved in this disease, Sutent and Torisel," Rothenberg said.