What are the side effects of axitinib/axitinib targeted drugs? How to manage and reduce adverse reactions

Axitinib/Axitinib (Axitinib) is a targeted drug mainly used to treat cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). As a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, axitinib inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells by interfering with the tumor angiogenesis process. However, despite its significant efficacy, the use of this drug is also associated with some side effects. In clinical practice, understanding the side effects of axitinib and its management strategies are crucial to ensure patient efficacy and quality of life.

Axitinib has a wide range of side effects, the most common of which include diarrhea, high blood pressure, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. These adverse reactions are often closely related to the mechanism of action of the drug. Diarrhea and nausea are due to the drug's irritating effect on the intestines, while hypertension is due to axitinib's possible effects on vasoconstriction and hemodynamics. In addition, fatigue is one of the common side effects of anti-cancer treatment, often caused by increased energy consumption in the body and tumor burden.

Axitinib may also cause palmar-plantar dysesthesia syndrome (ie, numbness, burning, or rash in the hands and feet), which is often associated with the effects of targeted therapies on the skin and nervous system. This symptom may have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and requires timely intervention. In addition, hypothyroidism is a common side effect and can cause patients to feel tired, gain weight, and feel depressed.

In addition, axitinib may also cause adverse events related to the vascular system, such as aneurysm, arterial dissection, and aortic rupture. These side effects are serious and potentially fatal, so patients need to be monitored closely during treatment. Axitinib may also cause other problems such as bleeding, protein in the urine, coughing, and constipation.

Reference materials:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axitinib