Risk of mucocutaneous toxicities in patients with solid tumors treated with sunitinib: a critical review and meta analysis

INTRODUCTION

we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of mucocutaneous toxicities associatedwith sunitinib, an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

METHODS

eligible studies included randomized Phase II and III trials of patients with solid tumors on sunitinib daily, describing events of hand-foot syndrome, skin rash, stomatitis, and skin and hair discoloration.

RESULTS

the relative risk (RR) of all-grade hand-foot skin reaction, skin rash, stomatitis, skin and hair discoloration were 2.12 (95% CI: 1.28-3.51; p < 0.004), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.15-1.54; p < 0.0002), 1.88 (95% CI: 1.36-2.59; p = 0.0001), 16.6 (95% CI: 4.18-64.94 p < 0.003), 4.42 (95% CI: 0.8-24.5; p < 0.09); respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

our meta-analysis has demonstrated that sunitinib is associated with a higher risk of developing all-grade hand-foot skin reaction, skin rash, stomatitis and skin discoloration compared with control. Clinicians should be aware of these risks and perform regular clinical monitoring.

VEGF signalling inhibition-induced proteinuria: Mechanisms, significance and management

Proteinuria is a dose-related side-effect occurring after inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling and may reflect severe glomerular damage. The inhibition of the VEGF signalling axis induces downexpression or suppression of nephrin, an important protein for the maintenance of the glomerular slit diaphragm, sometimes leading to nephritic syndrome and/or glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy, the main-associated kidney disease. A MEDLINE search was carried out using the following criteria: (1) all MEDLINE listings as of 01-01-2000 with abstracts; (2) English language; and (3) Humans. The following phrases were used to query the database: (proteinuria) AND (anti-VEGF OR VEGF inhibition OR bevacizumab OR sunitinib OR sorafenib OR VEGF Trap OR axitinib OR pazopanib OR AZ 2171). The references of each article identified were carefully reviewed for additional reference. The incidence of mild and asymptomatic proteinuria ranges from 21% up to 63%, but heavy proteinuria has been reported in up to 6.5% of renal cell carcinoma patients. Although discontinuation of anti-VEGF agent induced significant reduction, persistence of proteinuria is common. Although angiotensinconverting-enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers seem to be preferred, no specific recommendation for an antiproteinuric agent can be made in this context because there are no controlled studies addressing the subject. Periodic monitoring of urinary protein should be carried out in anti-VEGF-treated patients and patients showing proteinuria need special referral to nephrologists.