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Tivozanib

Tivozanib is an investigational drug being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ovarian cancer. As a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), tivozanib works by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread. This article summarizes key findings from recent clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of tivozanib in cancer patients.

Table of Contents

What is Tivozanib?

Tivozanib, also known by its other names AV-951 and KRN951, is an investigational drug being studied for the treatment of various types of cancer[1][2][9]. It is a type of medication called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which means it works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread[6].

How Does Tivozanib Work?

Tivozanib is designed to stop the growth of tumors by cutting off their blood supply. It does this by targeting and blocking proteins called vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). These proteins are important for the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. By inhibiting VEGFRs, tivozanib can potentially prevent tumors from developing the blood vessels they need to grow and spread[1][6].

Cancers Treated with Tivozanib

Tivozanib is being studied for the treatment of several types of cancer, including:

  • Liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Tivozanib is being tested in patients with advanced liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery[1][10].
  • Kidney cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Studies are evaluating tivozanib’s effectiveness in treating advanced kidney cancer[2][8].
  • Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer: Tivozanib is being investigated as a maintenance therapy for patients who have responded well to chemotherapy for these types of cancers[4].
  • Biliary Tract Cancers: This includes cancers of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma) and gallbladder[3].
  • Solid Tumors: Some studies are looking at tivozanib’s effects on various types of solid tumors[9].

Administration and Dosage

Tivozanib is taken orally, usually as a capsule. The typical dosing schedule in many studies is:

  • Once daily for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off (a 4-week cycle)[1][8].
  • Common doses being studied range from 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg per day[2][5].

It’s important to note that the exact dosage and schedule may vary depending on the specific study or treatment plan. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication use.

Clinical Trials and Research

Tivozanib is currently being studied in various clinical trials to determine its effectiveness and safety. Some key areas of research include:

  • Efficacy studies: Researchers are looking at how well tivozanib works in controlling tumor growth and improving survival rates in different types of cancer[1][3].
  • Biomarker studies: Some trials are investigating biological markers that might help predict which patients will respond best to tivozanib treatment[8].
  • Combination therapies: Tivozanib is being studied in combination with other cancer treatments to see if it can enhance their effectiveness[2].
  • Maintenance therapy: Research is exploring the use of tivozanib as a maintenance treatment to help prevent cancer recurrence after successful initial treatment[4].

Side Effects and Safety

As with all medications, tivozanib can cause side effects. Common side effects reported in clinical trials include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Changes in voice (hoarseness)

More serious side effects may occur, which is why tivozanib is being carefully studied in clinical trials. Patients in these trials are closely monitored for any adverse reactions[1][8].

Future Prospects

Tivozanib shows promise in treating various types of cancer, particularly those that have not responded well to other treatments. Ongoing research aims to:

  • Determine the most effective dosage and treatment schedule
  • Identify which patients are most likely to benefit from tivozanib
  • Explore its potential in combination with other cancer therapies
  • Evaluate its long-term safety and effectiveness

As research continues, tivozanib may become an important addition to the arsenal of cancer treatments available to patients[1][3][8].

Aspect Details
Drug Name Tivozanib (also known as AV-951)
Drug Class Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, VEGFR inhibitor
Mechanism of Action Inhibits angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR-1, -2, and -3
Cancer Types Studied Renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneal cancer
Common Dosing 1.0-1.5 mg orally once daily, 3 weeks on / 1 week off
Key Outcomes Measured Progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, safety and tolerability
Common Side Effects Hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, thyroid function changes
Ongoing Research Biomarker studies, combination therapies, maintenance therapy

FAQ

  • What types of cancer is tivozanib being studied for? Tivozanib is being investigated in clinical trials for several types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer.
  • How does tivozanib work to fight cancer? Tivozanib is an anti-angiogenesis medication that works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). This prevents tumors from developing new blood vessels, cutting off their blood supply and nutrients needed for growth.
  • What is the typical dosing schedule for tivozanib in clinical trials? In most trials, tivozanib is given orally once daily for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off treatment. This 4-week cycle is then repeated. Common doses studied are 1.0 mg and 1.5 mg per day.
  • What are some of the potential side effects of tivozanib? Common side effects observed in clinical trials include high blood pressure, fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in thyroid function. Patients' blood pressure and laboratory values are closely monitored during treatment.
  • How long do patients typically stay on tivozanib treatment in clinical trials? The duration of tivozanib treatment varies between trials, but patients often continue treatment for as long as they are experiencing clinical benefit and not having unacceptable side effects. Some trials allow treatment to continue for 6 months or longer.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Tivozanib

  • Study Comparing Tivozanib and Nivolumab Combination to Tivozanib Alone in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma After Previous Immune Therapy

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Czechia France Germany Italy Poland +2

Glossary

  • Angiogenesis: The process of forming new blood vessels. Tumors rely on angiogenesis to grow and spread.
  • VEGFR: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor. A protein on cells that binds to VEGF and stimulates blood vessel formation. Tivozanib blocks VEGFRs.
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitor: A type of targeted therapy that blocks specific enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which are involved in cell signaling and growth.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives without the cancer progressing or getting worse.
  • RECIST criteria: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A standard way to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment based on changes in tumor size.
  • Pharmacokinetics (PK): The study of how a drug moves through the body, including how it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted.
  • Biomarker: A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that may be a sign of a condition or disease. Biomarkers may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition.
  • Maintenance therapy: Treatment given to help keep cancer from coming back after it has disappeared following initial therapy. It may include treatment with drugs, vaccines, or antibodies that kill cancer cells, and it may be given for a long time.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01835223
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01369433
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04645160
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01972516
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01316848
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01363778
  7. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01363804
  8. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01297244
  9. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00970411
  10. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01807156