Dr. Funahashi on Enhanced Activity With Lenvatinib/Everolimus Combo in RCC

Yasuhiro Funahashi, MD, senior director, Eisai, discusses a study exploring the enhanced antitumor activity with the combination of lenvatinib (Lenvima) and everolimus (Afinitor) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Using human xenograft models, researchers found that the combination in this group of patients caused tumor regression and had no body weight loss. An immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a decrease of microvessel density in the lenvatinib and combination arms, as well as a decrease in the proportion of proliferative cells.

Results also showed that the treatment of lenvatinib in combination with everolimus caused significant antitumor effect in the xenograft models. These preclinical data provide a mechanism to support the significant clinical benefit observed in RCC with the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus.