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Multi-kinase inhibitor (RET, EGFR, VEGFR)

Vandetanib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Caprelsa

Vandetanib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of aggressive and symptomatic medullary thyroid cancer that is unresectable or metastatic.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including RET, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby blocking tumour cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Prescribing in practice

  • It prolongs the QT interval and has been associated with torsades de pointes and sudden death; correct electrolytes and review concomitant QT-prolonging or interacting drugs before and during treatment.
  • It is a specialist oncology medicine initiated and supervised by clinicians experienced in cancer therapy.
  • Dose and continuation depend on tolerability, organ function and ECG findings as set out in the SPC.

Monitoring

Monitor ECG (QT interval), serum electrolytes including potassium, calcium and magnesium, thyroid-stimulating hormone, blood pressure and renal and hepatic function periodically.

Counselling the patient

  • Use effective sun protection as photosensitivity and severe skin reactions can occur.
  • Report fainting, palpitations, severe diarrhoea or new breathlessness promptly.
  • Do not start any new medicine, including over-the-counter products, without checking for interactions.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is informed by the ZETA trial and aligned with MHRA-approved labelling for medullary thyroid cancer.

Reference: SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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