Surufatinib

A kinase inhibitor used in cancer treatment

Surufatinib
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Surufatinib is an oral medication used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and is specifically designed to target and inhibit multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Mechanism of Action

Surufatinib works by inhibiting the activity of several receptor tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR), and colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R). By blocking these pathways, surufatinib reduces tumor angiogenesis and modulates the tumor microenvironment, which can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Clinical Use

Surufatinib is primarily used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). These are a diverse group of malignancies that arise from neuroendocrine cells and can occur in various organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Surufatinib has shown efficacy in both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic NETs.

Administration

Surufatinib is administered orally, allowing for convenient outpatient treatment. The dosage and treatment schedule depend on the specific type of cancer being treated and the patient's overall health status.

Side Effects

Common side effects of surufatinib include hypertension, proteinuria, and fatigue. Patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. As with other TKIs, there is a risk of more serious adverse effects, and patients require regular monitoring during treatment.

Development and Approval

Surufatinib was developed by Hutchison China MediTech (Chi-Med) and has undergone extensive clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy. It has been approved for use in China for the treatment of advanced neuroendocrine tumors and is undergoing further evaluation in other regions.

Research

Ongoing research is exploring the use of surufatinib in combination with other therapies, as well as its potential application in other types of cancer. Studies are also investigating biomarkers that may predict response to treatment, which could help personalize therapy for individual patients.

Related pages

• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
• Angiogenesis