Tivozanib: current status and future directions in the treatment of solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION

Tivozanib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors-1, -2, and -3 at nanomolar concentrations.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive MEDLINE and American Society of Clinical Oncology abstract search was performed to gather all relevant clinical and translational data related to tivozanib. We discuss pre-clinical studies associated with tivozanib, and the results of a Phase I assessment in advanced solid tumors. We highlight combination studies with tivozanib, including pairings of tivozanib with cytotoxic therapy in patients with colorectal cancer and breast cancer. A randomized discontinuation Phase II study and a randomized Phase III study assessing the activity of tivozanib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are described in detail.

EXPERT OPINION

Tivozanib will face the challenge of entering an already crowded therapeutic space in mRCC-emerging combination studies and biomarker assessments may distinguish this agent among other VEGF-TKIs. The current review will outline the development pathway of tivozanib to date, and offer lessons learned and future opportunities.