New measures to treat kidney cancer

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of oral Votrient (pazopanib) to treat end-stage renal cell carcinoma. The new drug is designed to prevent proliferation of nourishing vessels.

According to the FDA, about 49,000 people have diagnosed kidney cell carcinoma and 11,000 have died this year.

Results of clinical trials in 435 patients showed that the mean time before recurrence or pre-death tumors in Votrient users was 9.2 months, compared with 4.2 months in the non-pill group.

Votrient side effects may include diarrhea, hypertension, hair color changes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach aches and headaches. The drug may also be toxic to the liver, so people taking Votrient should be closely monitored for liver function. Drugs can also cause heart rhythm problems. Due to harm to the fetus, Voltrient should not be used in pregnant women.