A targeted treatment for advanced kidney cancer
Tivozanib
A targeted oral cancer medicine for advanced kidney cancer that blocks the tumour's blood-vessel growth signals.
What is Tivozanib?
Tivozanib is a specialist targeted cancer medicine used for an advanced form of kidney cancer. It works by blocking the signals (VEGFR) that tumours use to grow new blood vessels, cutting off their blood supply. It is taken by mouth as capsules under the care of a cancer team. The most common and important effect is raised blood pressure, which is checked regularly and often needs treatment. Other points include a tendency to bleed, effects on the heart, changes in thyroid function and a hand-foot skin reaction. It can harm an unborn baby, so contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tivozanib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tivozanib is a targeted cancer medicine, one of a group called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, used for an advanced form of kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). It works against the signals that tumours use to build their own blood supply. Rather than acting broadly like older chemotherapy, it is aimed at this blood-vessel growth pathway. It is taken by mouth as capsules, usually in cycles, under the supervision of a specialist cancer team who monitor blood pressure, the heart, the thyroid and for bleeding.
How it works
Tumours need a blood supply to keep growing, so they send out signals, mainly through receptors called VEGFR, to make new blood vessels. Tivozanib blocks these VEGFR signals, so the tumour struggles to build the blood vessels it needs, slowing its growth. Because the same signals also help maintain normal blood vessels and blood pressure, blocking them commonly raises blood pressure and can increase the risk of bleeding and affect the heart. This is why blood pressure and these other effects are closely monitored. It is taken on a regular schedule to keep the signal blocked.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist oral cancer medicine used in the UK for an advanced form of kidney cancer.
Practical use
How to take Tivozanib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the capsules by mouth as prescribed, at about the same time, following the cycle of days on and off if advised.
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and take any blood-pressure medicine you are given.
- Report any unusual bleeding or bruising, and tell your team before any planned surgery, as it may be paused.
- Attend thyroid and other blood tests, as thyroid function can change and may need treatment.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time advised afterwards, as it can harm an unborn baby.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tivozanib
Advantages
- A targeted treatment for advanced kidney cancer taken by mouth as capsules.
- Works by cutting off the blood supply tumours need to grow.
- Given on a defined schedule with regular specialist monitoring.
Disadvantages
- Commonly raises blood pressure, which often needs treatment.
- Can increase bleeding, affect the heart and change thyroid function.
- Can cause a hand-foot skin reaction, and can harm an unborn baby.
Practical use
Good to know
The most common and important effect of tivozanib is a rise in blood pressure, which can happen early in treatment, so blood pressure is checked regularly and is often treated; it should be well controlled before and during treatment. Because it affects blood vessels, it can increase the risk of bleeding, so any unusual bleeding should be reported, and it is usually paused around planned surgery to allow wound healing. It can affect the heart, so the team watches for symptoms, and it can change thyroid function, so thyroid blood tests are done and replacement may be needed. A hand-foot skin reaction, with sore, red or peeling palms and soles, can occur and can be eased with good skin care. Like other cancer medicines, it can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tivozanib should not take it.
- It is not suitable in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby.
- It is used with care in people with poorly controlled blood pressure, heart problems or a high bleeding risk, under specialist supervision.
Monitoring
- Regular blood-pressure checks, with treatment if it rises.
- Thyroid blood tests, and watching for bleeding and heart symptoms.
- Reviewing the skin for hand-foot reaction and checking how the cancer is responding.
Side effects
- Raised blood pressure, which is checked regularly and often treated.
- Tiredness, diarrhoea, hoarse voice or reduced appetite.
- A hand-foot skin reaction, with sore, red or peeling palms and soles.
- Less commonly but importantly, bleeding, heart problems or changes in thyroid function.
Key interactions
- Medicines that increase bleeding risk, such as blood thinners, need careful review with your team.
- Some medicines can change the levels of tivozanib in the body, so tell your team about everything you take.
- Other medicines that raise blood pressure or affect the heart may need review.
Available as: Capsules taken by mouth.
Answers
Tivozanib: frequently asked questions
What is tivozanib used for?
It is used for an advanced form of kidney cancer, working by blocking the signals tumours use to grow new blood vessels.
Why does it raise my blood pressure?
The blood-vessel signals it blocks also help control blood pressure, so raised blood pressure is common; it is checked regularly and often treated.
Why is my thyroid checked?
It can change thyroid function, so thyroid blood tests are done and thyroid replacement may be needed.
What is a hand-foot skin reaction?
It is soreness, redness or peeling of the palms and soles that can occur with this medicine; good skin care and your team's advice can help.
Is contraception necessary?
Yes. Like other cancer medicines, it can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important during treatment and for a time afterwards.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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