Axitinib

How it works

It inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, suppressing tumour angiogenesis and growth.

Prescribing in practice

• Hypertension is common and can be severe, so blood pressure must be controlled before starting and monitored during treatment.
• Other class effects include arterial and venous thromboembolism, bleeding, and impaired wound healing.
• It is a specialist oncology medicine initiated and supervised within cancer services.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure regularly and assess for thyroid dysfunction, proteinuria and signs of bleeding during treatment.

Counselling the patient

• Attend for regular blood pressure checks and report severe headache or visual disturbance.
• Report any unusual bleeding or poor wound healing.

Evidence & guidelines

Axitinib is recommended by NICE within its licensed indication for advanced renal cell carcinoma.