Sunitinib (brand name Sutent) is an anti-cancer targeted therapy drug that is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and advanced renal cell cancer (chemocare.com). It interferes with a growth factor that aids in tumor growth and inhibits angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels, which tumors need in order to thrive) (chemocare.com). It is taken orally and comes in doses of 12.5mg, 25mg and 50mg; with 50mg being the recommended starting dose, according to the American Cancer Society.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of this medication include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, changes in how food tastes, high blood pressure, and low white and red blood cell counts (which increases the risk of infection and anemia) (chemocare.com; cancer.org). The Mayo Clinic also lists common side effects as chills, headache, cracked lips, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Less Common Side Effects
Less commonly occurring side effects of sunitinib may include loss of appetite, weakness, constipation, swelling of the lower extremities, shortness of breath, low potassium levels, hair loss and rash (chemocare.com). Hand-foot syndrome may also be seen, which is redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (chemocare.com).
Rare Side Effects
Blood clots may be a rare side effect of this drug and could lead to stroke (chemocare.com). Symptoms of a possible blood clot include swelling or redness in only one leg or arm (chemocare.com). Other possible rare side effects include black, tarry or bloody stools; blood in the urine; nausea that interferes with eating and taking medication; extreme episodes of vomiting (more than four to five times in a 24 hour period); and fatigue that makes you unable to perform daily activities (chemocare.com; mayoclinic.com). If you have any of these symptoms, call your physician within 24 hours.
Member Comments