axitinib

Definition of axitinib

axitinib

(AK-sih-TIH-nib)
A drug used alone or with other drugs to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer). It is used in patients whose cancer has not already been treated or whose cancer has not gotten better after treatment with one other systemic therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Axitinib blocks proteins called growth factor receptors, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Axitinib is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called Inlyta.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms