Sunitinib malate is an oral prescription drug that is mostly used to treat specific cancers. Sutent is the brand name under which it is marketed. The active component of Sutent, sunitinib, a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor, is present in 12.5 mg of each capsule. By preventing tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis—the process of creating new blood vessels that nourish the tumor—this targeted therapy is essential in limiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Indications and Uses

Sunitinib 12.5 mg is commonly used as part of a broader cancer treatment regimen. It is indicated for the treatment of several types of cancer, including:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): The most prevalent form of kidney cancer in adults, advanced renal cell carcinoma, is often treated with sunitinib.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): It is used in patients with GIST who are resistant to or intolerant of imatinib mesylate, the first-line therapy.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (pNET): Sunitinib is approved for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic.

Adjuvant Treatment for RCC: In some cases, Sunitinib is prescribed after surgical removal of the kidney tumor to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibiting many tyrosine kinase receptors implicated in tumor growth and blood vessel development is how sunitinib, a targeted cancer treatment, functions. Among these receptors are:

VEGFRs, or vascular endothelial growth factor receptors

Growth factor receptors produced from platelets (PDGFRs)

receptor for stem cell factors (c-KIT)

CSF-1R, RET, and FLT3

Sunitinib slows or stops the progression of the disease by blocking these signaling pathways, which hinders the multiplication of tumor cells and stops the blood supply that tumors require to grow.

Dosage and Administration

Sunitinib 12.5 mg (Sutent) is available in various strengths, including 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg capsules. The 12.5 mg dose is typically used:

As a starting dose for patients requiring a lower dose due to medical conditions, drug interactions, or side effects.

For dose adjustments in patients who do not tolerate higher doses.

In combination with other dosages to reach a personalized daily total.

A common dosing schedule involves 4 weeks of treatment followed by 2 weeks off (a 6-week cycle), but the regimen can vary depending on the cancer type and the patient’s condition.

Side Effects

Sunitinib may have adverse effects, just like many anticancer treatments. Typical adverse effects consist of:

Weariness

Vomiting and feeling queasy

Having diarrhea

Appetite loss

Skin discoloration, or hair or skin yellowing

elevated blood pressure

Sores in the mouth

The following are serious but uncommon adverse effects:

Heart issues (such as QT prolongation and a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction)

Toxicology of the liver

The bleeding

The low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia

To control these adverse effects and modify the dosage as required, healthcare professionals must do routine monitoring.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Because sunitinib may harm the fetus, it is not advised during pregnancy. Effective contraception should be used by women of reproductive age both during and after treatment. While taking sunitinib and for at least four weeks following the last dosage, breastfeeding should be avoided.

Heart and Liver Function: Patients who already have liver or heart issues need to be closely watched.

Drug Interactions: The liver enzyme CYP3A4 metabolizes sunitinib. Sunitinib levels can be impacted by medications that either promote or inhibit this enzyme.

Considerations for Surgery: Sunitinib may hinder the healing of wounds. It should only be started after sufficient healing and stopped before to major surgery.

Storage and Handling

Sunitinib capsules should be kept dry, out of direct sunlight, and at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F). Keep them out of children’s and pets’ reach and in their original container. Do not use the drug past its expiration date.

Conclusion

A potent oral targeted treatment for a variety of cancer types is sunitinib 12.5 mg (Sutent). Because of its possible interactions and adverse effects, it must be used under a healthcare provider’s close supervision even if it has substantial advantages by preventing tumor growth and angiogenesis. Patients should instantly notify their doctor of any unexpected symptoms and rigorously follow their prescribed dosage regimen. Sunitinib has the potential to be a useful part of cancer treatment with the right care and monitoring.

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1. What is the purpose of Sunitinib (Sutent) 12.5 mg?
In response, sunitinib is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). It functions by stopping the tumor’s growth and severing its blood supply.

2. How does the body react to sunitinib?
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors include sunitinib. Several enzymes (receptors) that cancers need to proliferate and create new blood vessels are blocked by it. It aids in halting the growth and spread of cancer cells by blocking these mechanisms.

3. How should 12.5 mg of sunitinib be administered?
Sunitinib is given orally once daily, with or without food. The type of cancer and your doctor’s instructions will determine the precise dosage and treatment plan (e.g., 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off).

4. Does sunitinib have an impact on pregnancy or fertility?
In response, “Yes.” An unborn child may be harmed by sunitinib. During pregnancy or while nursing, it is not advised. Effective contraception should be used by both men and women during therapy and for at least four weeks following the last dosage.

5. How is Sunitinib stored and handled?
Store Sunitinib at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in its original container and out of reach of children. Do not crush or chew the capsule.