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Growing Role of Regorafenib in the Treatment of Patients with Sarcoma

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Abstract

Sarcomas encompass a group of rare solid tumors responsible for approximately 1% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States each year. Subtypes include, but are not limited to, soft tissue sarcomas (STS) such as leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, pleomorphic sarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Treatment options for patients with STS vary depending on, among other factors, histological subtype. Data from a mix of phase 2 and phase 3 trials have suggested that the orally available multikinase inhibitor regorafenib may have efficacy in patients with STS who have progressed on previous lines of systemic therapy. Some clinical benefit of regorafenib has been shown in patients with leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, GIST, Ewing’s sarcoma, and other sarcoma subtypes, suggesting a broad spectrum of potential activity in this population. Studies have also shown that the safety profile of regorafenib is acceptable in these patients, with adverse events that can be managed through dose reductions and/or interruptions as well as other supportive measures.

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Acknowledgements

We respectfully acknowledge the patients and investigators who participated in these clinical trials for their contributions to improving the treatment of patients with sarcoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, NMH/Arkes Family Pavilion Suite 850, 676 N Saint Clair, Chicago, IL, USA

    Mark Agulnik

  2. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Steven Attia

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  1. Mark Agulnik
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark Agulnik.

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Funding

The authors did not receive external funding for the preparation of this manuscript. Medical writing assistance was provided by Robert C. Ristuccia, PhD (Precept Medical Communications) and funded by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Conflict of Interest

Dr. Attia’s institution has received research funding for the SARC024 and NU13S02 studies. Dr. Agulnik has received consulting fees and/or honoraria from Janssen, Eli Lilly, and Novartis and has received fees for participation in review activities from Eli Lilly.

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Agulnik, M., Attia, S. Growing Role of Regorafenib in the Treatment of Patients with Sarcoma. Targ Oncol 13, 417–422 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11523-018-0575-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11523-018-0575-0

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