Often used for:
Renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, soft tissue sarcoma
What is sunitinib?
Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase and VEGF inhibitor that blocks cell signals and tumor blood vessel growth. Patients receive regular monitoring of blood counts and organ function.
Possible long-term effects
- Aseptic necrosis of the jaw
- Heart problems
Sunitinib at home
- Take at the same time each day with or without food; take with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Swallow capsules whole.
- Store at room temperature.
- If a dose is missed, skip it and resume the usual schedule. Do not double doses.
- Handle body fluids carefully for 48 hours after dosing.
Possible side effects
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in taste
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Changes in hair or skin color
- Low blood counts
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid problems
- Liver problems
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Nosebleeds
- Rash or dry skin
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Heartburn or gas
- Mouth sores or dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sleep problems
- Joint or muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Slow wound healing and hand-foot syndrome
- Low blood sugar
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Heart problems
- Not all patients experience these effects. Report all symptoms.
Tips for families
- Discuss all instructions with the care team.
- Avoid grapefruit or Seville orange products.
- Maintain regular dental exams and report jaw pain.
- Inspect skin daily for changes and manage hand-foot symptoms.
- Stay well hydrated as directed.
- Use birth control during treatment and for 2 months afterward.
- Inform the doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Follow safe handling and disposal guidelines for chemotherapy.
