SUTENT FOR KIDNEY CANCER

Sutent (sunitinib made by Pfizer) is now approved by Health Canada for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) and GI stromal tumour (GIST). It comes in 12.5mg, 25mg, and 50mg capsules. Standard dosage is 50mg once daily for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off. Sutent inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) which are implicated in tumour growth. Adverse effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, skin discoloration. Avoid concomitant administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors and QT-interval prolonging drugs. Pfizer has a First Resource Program in place to provide free Sutent therapy to eligible patients (1-888-963-4778).