Optimizing the use of sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: an update from clinical practice

Abstract

Sunitinib is a reference standard of care for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). While the tolerability of sunitinib is consistent across clinical studies, the impact of tolerability on clinical benefit necessitates effective therapy management, focusing on optimization of dosing, treatment duration, and management of adverse events. Managing individual tolerability concerns in clinical practice should include patient education and practical management strategies. We review the sunitinib tolerability profile in mRCC and describe practical strategies to manage adverse events in order to maximize clinical benefit. These strategies may allow long-term sunitinib treatment, thereby optimizing the available clinical efficacy.