A phase III, randomized, controlled study to compare tivozanib with sorafenib in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
310 Background: Drugs that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway signaling, such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, have become standard treatment for pts with RCC. Tivozanib (AV-951) is a potent, selective small-molecule pan-VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor, with activity against the VEGFR-1, -2, and -3 kinases at subnanomolar concentrations. Preliminary results from a phase II randomized discontinuation trial of tivozanib (1.5 mg/d; 3 wks on, 1 wk off) in pts with RCC demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 27% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.8 mo by independent radiology review, with a favorable safety profile. Patients with clear cell RCC who had undergone nephrectomy had an ORR of 32% and median PFS of 14.8 mo (Bhargava, et al. ASCO 2010. Abstract 4599). Based on this antitumor activity a phase III, randomized, controlled, global, multicenter trial is currently in progress to compare tivozanib with sorafenib in pts with advanced RCC. Methods: Approximately 500 adults with clear cell RCC who have undergone nephrectomy and received ≤ 1 prior systemic treatment (no prior VEGF-targeted therapy) were randomized 1:1 to treatment with tivozanib or sorafenib. Pts are receiving 1.5 mg/d tivozanib orally in 4-week cycles (3 wks on, 1 wk off) or continuous 400 mg sorafenib orally twice daily. The primary endpoint will be PFS by independent radiology review; secondary endpoints will include overall survival, ORR, and duration of response. Safety is being monitored through adverse event reporting and laboratory analyses; toxicities are graded using the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. The effect of therapy on health-related quality of life will be compared between arms using kidney cancer-specific (FKSI-DRS), oncology (FACT-G), and general (EQ-5D) assessments. Pharmacokinetics and biomarker analyses will be performed. Results: Pending. Conclusions: Enrollment completed in August 2010. An ongoing extension study will allow access to tivozanib for pts who demonstrate progressive disease on sorafenib, as well as long-term treatment with tivozanib or sorafenib for pts who demonstrate clinical benefit. [Table: see text]