ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Historically, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has had poor prognosis; the outcomes have improved with the introduction of tyrosine‑kinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib. There is no reported literature from India on the use of sunitinib in metastatic RCC. We present an analysis of sunitinib at our institute over 4 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An unselected population of patients with metastatic or relapsed metastatic RCC receiving sunitinib was analyzed with respect to patient characteristics, response, toxicity, and outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty‑nine patients (51 males, 8 females) with a median age of 55 years were included in the study. Lungs and bones were the most common site of metastases. The patients received a median number of 4 cycles, with 23 patients requiring dose‑modification and 12 discontinuing therapy due to toxicity. Overall, 38 patients (65%) had CR, PR, or standard deviation while 14 had progression or death at initial evaluation. The median progression‑free survival (PFS) was 11.4 months and overall survival was 22.6 months. Hand–foot syndrome, fatigue, mucositis, skin rash, and vomiting were seen more often among our patients, whereas hypertension was not as common compared with previously published reports. CONCLUSION: Sunitinib is a viable option for the treatment of metastatic RCC and shows a comparable PFS in Indian patients. Although toxicity remains a concern, most of the adverse effects can be managed conservatively. Careful patient selection, tailoring the dose of therapy, adequate counseling, and careful follow‑up is essential for optimum therapy.