Dr. Alva on TKI Monotherapy and Combinations for RCC

Ajjai Shivaram Alva, MBBS, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, discusses TKI monotherapy and in combination with immunotherapy for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

TKIs have a continuing role in RCC therapy, either as a single agent for patients with favorable-risk disease in which TKIs appear superior to immunotherapy, or in combination with immunotherapy, explains Alva. The FDA approved 2 combinations for frontline RCC therapy: axitinib (Inlyta) plus avelumab (Bavencio) and axitinib plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

There are a few other combinations that are expected to read out soon, including lenvatinib (Lenvima) plus pembrolizumab and cabozantinib (Cabometyx) plus nivolumab (Opdivo), says Alva. TKI combinations for intermediate- and poor-risk patients are likely going to evolve in the upcoming years, concludes Alva.