Vandetanib

Vandetanib (INN, trade name Caprelsa) is an anti-cancer drug that is used for the treatment of certain tumours of the thyroid gland. It acts as a kinase inhibitor of a number of cell receptors, mainly the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the RET-tyrosine kinase. The drug was developed by AstraZeneca.

Approvals and indications

Vandetanib was the first drug to be approved by FDA (April 2011) for treatment of late-stage (metastatic) medullary thyroid cancer in adult patients who are ineligible for surgery. Vandetanib was first initially marketed without a trade name, and is being marketed under the trade name Caprelsa since August 2011.

Contraindications

In patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, no dosage for vandetanib has been recommended, as its safety and efficacy has not been established yet. Vandetanib is contraindicated in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Adverse effects

Common side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhoea, rashes, prolonged QT interval, hypertension, headache, and fatigue.