What Is Sunitinib and How Is It Used in Kidney Cancer?

Sunitinib (brand name Sutent) is an oral targeted therapy used to treat advanced kidney cancer, especially renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It was one of the first effective drugs for kidney cancer after surgery and remains in use today, particularly in certain patients or healthcare systems where newer drugs may not be available.

Sunitinib works by blocking multiple proteins that cancer cells need to grow and form new blood vessels.

How Does It Work?

Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It targets proteins such as:

  • VEGFR – involved in tumor blood supply
  • PDGFR – promotes tumor growth
  • c-KIT and FLT3 – related to cell signaling and survival

By blocking these, sunitinib slows tumor growth and cuts off the blood supply that cancers rely on.

How Is It Taken?

  • Sunitinib is taken by mouth, usually 50 mg once daily
  • The most common cycle is 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
  • Some patients may use a reduced daily dose continuously, depending on side effects

Regular blood tests and scans are used to monitor treatment response and adjust the dose.

Common Side Effects

Sunitinib is effective but can cause notable side effects:

  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Hand-foot syndrome (redness and pain on palms and soles)
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth sores
  • Skin discoloration (yellowing of the skin)
  • Changes in taste and appetite

Most side effects are manageable with dose adjustments or supportive care.

Is It Still Effective?

Although newer immunotherapies and combination treatments have taken the spotlight, sunitinib is still:

  • Effective for certain patients
  • Commonly used where access to newer drugs is limited
  • Sometimes preferred for patients who can't tolerate immunotherapy

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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