Nexavar for colon cancer – pro
Nexavar is currently in a phase II clinical trial for colorectal cancer. In this trial, researchers are combining the targeted monoclonal antibody cetuximab (Erbitux) with another targeted drug called sorafenib (Nexavar) to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors show epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity. I was not able to find any other published liteature on the use of Nexavar for colon cancer. Sorafenib works by inhibiting the action of various kinase enzymes. This stops the signals that tell the cancer cells to grow and multiply. It also stops blood vessels growing into the tumour. This reduces the tumour’s blood supply and with it, its supply of oxygen and nutrients. Both these effects stop the tumour from growing. it is currently FDA approved for renal cell cancer and for hepatocellular carcinoma. Plan language considers this an ivestigational agent because it is in a phase II trial, there are no studies of single agent use, and the expert consensus is that more studies are needed.
Nexavar, Prescribing information
NCCN.ORG, Colorectal cancer