Axitinib, a new therapeutic option in renal cell carcinoma.

Axitinib is a small-molecule protein-tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor specifically targeting this family of receptors, in addition to platelet-derived growth factor receptor and proto-oncogene c-Kit. Improved knowledge of kidney cancer development, and specifically mutations in the VHL gene, has supported the targeting of angiogenesis pathways. Axitinib is the most recently approved agent for use in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This review will focus on the preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical activity of this agent, and describe its place in the current treatment of renal cell carcinoma.