Axitinib/avelumab combo shows preliminary efficacy in RCC

In the dose-finding phase, investigators reported one dose-limiting toxicity, which was grade 3 proteinuria due to axitinib.

A phase 3 trial known as JAVELIN Renal 101 is ongoing, investigators said. In that randomized trial, the axitinib-avelumab combination is being compared to sunitinib as a first-line approach in patients with advanced RCC.

“The combination of an antibody that inhibits PD-L1 and PD-1 interactions with a targeted antiangiogenic agent might take advantage of complementary mechanisms of action to provide clinical benefit in patients with advanced renal-cell carcinoma that exceeds the effects of the respective drugs alone without increasing associated toxicity,” Dr. Choueiri and colleagues wrote.

Pfizer and Merck funded the study. Dr. Choueiri declared interests related to several companies, including AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, Exelixis, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Peloton, and Roche/Genentech.

SOURCE: Choueiri TK et al. Lancet Oncol. 2018 Mar 9. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30107-4.