Dr. Vaishampayan on the Safety of Tivozanib Versus Sorafenib in RCC

Ulka N. Vaishampayan, MBBS, FAB, director of the Phase I program at the Rogel Cancer Center and a professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan, discusses the safety profiles of tivozanib (Fotivda) versus sorafenib (Nexavar) in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

In terms of efficacy, tivozanib has shown to be superior in progression-free survival compared with sorafenib, says Vaishampayan. However, a statistically significant benefit in overall survival had not been observed with tivozanib over sorafenib.

When choosing between the agents, the toxicity profiles of both agents have to be considered, as well as their mechanisms of action. Sorafenib has a RAF kinase inhibitor activity, as well as VEGF TKI activity, whereas tivozanib is a preferential VEGF TKI inhibitor only with selective activity against VEGF.

The toxicity profile of sorafenib seems to reflect a higher risk of hand-foot syndrome and skin rashes as compared with tivozanib. The risk of hypertension and other toxicities that are VEGF-related appear to be comparable between the agents, concludes Vaishampayan.