Sutent

Details

---

Sunitinib Malate 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg Capsules is an anti cancer drug that is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor.

It is the malate salt of sunitinib

Mechanism of action: It acts by Inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases  like VEGF-R1 (Vascular endothelial growth factor -R1), VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, PDGFR-α , PDGFR-β(platelet-derived growth factor-β) and c-kit.  resulting in inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This stops further growth of the tumor, new blood vessels formation and spreading of the tumor.

It is available as Sutent in both International and Indian markets.

Uses

• Sunitinib Malate 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg Capsules is approved for treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma(RCC).
• It is also indicated in Gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) progression and in case of intolerance to imatinib.
• Sutent is used in locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(pNET).

Dosage

• Sunitinib Malate 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg Capsules is available as hard gelatin capsules with orange , caramel or yellow cap and orange or yellow body containing sunitinib malate and other inactive ingredients.
• It is taken orally with or without food.
• Final dosages are determined by the doctor on the basis of factors such as pre existing medical conditions, age, weight and ongoing medications.
• Usual dose of Sutent for RCC and GIST is 50mg/day for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off and for pNET  5 mg/day for the time period the doctor has prescribed.
• Dose is adjusted to minimise the dose related side effects.

Side effects

• Headache
• Fever & Chills
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Hypertension
• Skin rash
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• Asthenia
• Bleeding
• Cardiac toxicity leading to congestive heart failure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Impaired wound healing
• Adrenal toxicity
• Diarrhea
• Rashes or blisters on palms and soles
• Dry , thick and cracking skin
• Back pain
• Cough & dyspnea
• Mucositis
• weight gain or weight loss
• hair loss
• Abnormal heartbeat

Precautions

• Sunitinib Malate 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg Capsules is not recommended for pregnant women as it causes severe harm to the fetus and also not recommended in breastfeeding women.
• Sutent must be used carefully in patients with liver, kidney and heart dysfunction.
• Routine blood tests, thyroid, liver, kidney and heart function tests must be done.
• This drug interacts with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin.
• Tell the doctor about pre existing medical conditions, ongoing medications and any allergy before starting the drug.

Always tell the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Sutent (Sunitinib) used for?

Sutent contains sunitinib malate, a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of certain cancers. It is indicated for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) after progression or intolerance to imatinib, adjuvant treatment of certain high-risk RCC cases, and progressive well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adults, according to applicable prescribing information.

2. How does Sutent (Sunitinib) work?

Sunitinib works by inhibiting multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and abnormal blood-vessel formation. Its targets include VEGF receptors, PDGF receptors, and KIT, helping interfere with signaling pathways associated with tumor proliferation and angiogenesis.

3. What strengths of Sutent capsules are available?

Sutent capsules are available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg strengths in current prescribing information. The Lotus International product page specifically lists 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg sunitinib malate capsules. Product strength and availability should be confirmed when placing an international supply enquiry.

4. How is Sutent administered?

Sutent is an oral capsule that can be taken with or without food. For GIST and advanced RCC, the recommended regimen in current U.S. prescribing information is generally 50 mg once daily for the first 4 weeks of a 6-week cycle (4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off). For pNET, the recommended dosage is 37.5 mg once daily. Treatment and dose adjustments must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. Can international buyers source Sutent from Lotus International?

Lotus International lists Sunitinib Malate capsules under its Anti Cancer medicines portfolio and supplies pharmaceutical products for international markets. Importers, distributors, wholesalers, hospitals, and procurement organizations can contact Lotus International to enquire about Sutent availability, required quantities, packaging, documentation, and export supply arrangements.