RESUMO
In Germany misteltoe extract is one of the most commonly used complementary therapeutic strategies in oncology. There are anthroposophical as well as phytotherapeutic concepts to explain the potential mechanism of action; however, the oncological and uro-oncological literature lacks definitive proof to support recommendations on which is the most effective drug, the optimal dose, a clear indication or its efficacy. Weighting the current data, potential side effects and contraindications, the application of mistletoe extract in daily uro-oncological practice requires careful consideration of the indications in the context of a detailed patient informed consent and request for this unique therapeutic modality.
Assuntos
Medicina Baseada em Evidências , Erva-de-Passarinho/química , Fitoterapia/tendências , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Urológicas/tratamento farmacológico , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
PURPOSE: To investigate whether patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma benefit from sequential therapies with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib and sunitinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 89 patients were treated in nine German centres between 2002 and 2009. The TKI sequence started as first-, second- or third-line therapy after prior chemo- or immunotherapy. When progression was diagnosed, treatment was switched to the second TKI until further progression. RESULTS: Overall progression-free survival (PFS) of patients receiving sunitinib followed by sorafenib shows no statistically significant difference to patients receiving sorafenib followed by sunitinib (15.4 months vs. 12.1 months). The secondary use of sorafenib resulted in a median PFS of 3.8 months if the TKI sequence had been started as a first-line treatment and of 3.5 months if the TKI sequence had been started second-line treatment. The secondary use of sunitinib resulted in a median PFS of 3.4 and 4.0 months, respectively. OS was 28.8 months for all patients, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study endorses the notion of a clinical benefit of the sequential use of sorafenib and sunitinib and supports observations from previous studies. In terms of the optimal succession of the two TKIs, the study does not allow a definite answer.