ixabepilone + sunitinib

Ixabepilone + sunitinib is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two small molecule drugs with distinct mechanisms of action. Ixabepilone is a microtubule inhibitor, classified as an epothilone B analog, that disrupts microtubule dynamics and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Sunitinib is a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks signaling through several receptors including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR), KIT, RET, CSF1R, and FLT3. Preclinical studies have demonstrated robust antitumor synergy between these agents in both chemotherapy-naïve and paclitaxel-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer models, mediated by upregulation of the GTPase RhoB leading to increased apoptosis[1][4][8]. Early-phase clinical trials have shown acceptable toxicity and encouraging activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors such as metastatic colorectal cancer[2][7]. This combination represents a strategy to enhance antitumor efficacy by pairing cytotoxic chemotherapy with targeted molecular inhibition.

Brand names

Ixempra (for ixabepilone)Sutent (for sunitinib)

Other names

ixabepilone + sunitinib