(July 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Early research with the targeted therapy sunitinib is showing promise for patients with advanced kidney cancer, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.

Here is some information about renal cell carcinoma:

•    It is the most common form of kidney cancer

•    Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, biologic or immunotherapy, and targeted genetic therapies

•    As with most other cancers, the more advanced the disease, the more difficult it is to treat

Researchers from the Royal Marsden Hospital in London gave over 4,500 adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma daily treatment with a 50 mg oral dose of sunitinib. They took the drug every day for 4 weeks then took a 2 week break. On average, they received 5 treatment cycles.

Overall, 17% responded to the drug. The response rate was 9% or greater even among subgroups of patients known to have a poor prognosis. The most common side effects were diarrhea, which was reported in 44% of patients, and fatigue, reported in 37%.

Today’s research demonstrates how sunitinib may be helpful for those with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.