Dr. Hammers on the Potential Utility of HIF-2α Inhibitors in RCC

Hans Hammers, MD, PhD, an associate professor of internal medicine in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, discusses the potential utility of HIF-2α inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

HIF-2α inhibitors are emerging agents that could transform the treatment paradigm of RCC, says Hammers. One compound called belzutifan (MK-6482) has demonstrated significant potential in this setting, Hammers explains.

According to updated findings from a phase 1/2 study (NCT02974738), belzutifan induced an overall response rate of 25% and a disease control rate of 80% in patients with advanced clear cell RCC. Regarding safety, anemia and hypoxia were the most commonly reported grade 3 adverse effects, concludes Hammers.