The Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial sought to understand whether Welireg (belzutifan) was effective in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) when compared to other treatments, such as everolimus. According to reporting from Healio, the trial found that belzutifan largely improved progression-free survival (PFS) rates.
746 people with advanced RCC enrolled in the study. Although they had been previously treated with either PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors or VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Unfortunately, those treatments had not been effective; their condition had progressed even while on treatment. During the study, participants were split into two groups. One group received 10mg everolimus and the other 120mg belzutifan. Both therapies were administered orally each day.
The research showed that belzutifan was safe and well-tolerated in this community. When compared to everolimus, belzutifan improved PFS and objective response rate (which highlights any response to treatment) for certain participants. In this particular study, there was no statistically significant difference in everolimus and belzutifan regarding overall survival rates. However, additional testing is planned in the future.
About Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
Renal cell carcinoma, while rare, is also the most common form of kidney cancer. While the exact cause of RCC is unknown, some research suggests that PRC or TFE 3 mutations may be involved. Having a history of smoking, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, horseshoe kidneys, polycystic kidney disease, or kidney failure increases the risk of developing RCC. Renal cell carcinoma usually starts in one kidney but easily metastasizes (spreads) to the lungs or other organs. It is most common in older men between 50-70 years old. Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Unintended weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged testicles or varicose testis veins
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Fatigue
- An abdominal lump
- Appetite loss
Current treatments include chemotherapy, Nexavar, Proleukin, Afinitor, ablation, hormone treatments, and surgical resection.
