Sorafenib in renal cell carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma is resistant to conventional treatment with chemotherapy. Recently the use of molecular-targeted therapies with multikinase inhibitors has been recommended as first-choice therapy because they inhibit cell proliferation and tumour angiogenesis. Sorafenib is a well tolerated tyrosine kinase inhibitor that initially demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of patients with metastatic RCC who progressed after immunotherapy. Expanded-access studies in Europe and North America showed the safety and efficacy of sorafenib in special populations such as elderly, renal failure and cerebral metastases, as well as patients with no prior therapy. No cross-resistance has been suggested in non-randomized trials when used in second line treatment after other targeted therapies. Ongoing clinical trials will better define the role of sorafenib in first and second line either as monotherapy or in combination, as well as the best strategies for the sequential use of this drug.