FDA Approves Zactima

An FDA advisory panel voted 10 to 0 in favor of approving Zactima (vandetanib) for patients with medullary thyroid cancer who have symptomatic, progressive disease. The panel expressed concerns about “substantial” drug-related toxicity associated with the 300-mg daily dose. Members said that patients taking Zactima appeared to be at greater risk for stroke and other cerebrovascular events and a prolonged QT interval.