Phase 2 study of lenvatinib in progressive, recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma
The multikinase inhibitor lenvatinib shrank tumours in about one in six patients with progressing adenoid cystic carcinoma and stabilised most of the rest, making it one of the few active drugs for this slow but relentless salivary cancer.
Overview
Single-arm phase 2 study of 32 patients with progressive recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma treated with lenvatinib 24 mg daily.
Partial response occurred in 15.6 percent and stable disease in 75 percent, with a median progression-free survival of 17.5 months; most patients required dose reductions for hypertension, fatigue and oral pain.
- Partial response 15.6 percent; stable disease 75 percent.
- Median progression-free survival 17.5 months.
Lenvatinib (like axitinib) is a guideline option for progressing adenoid cystic carcinoma; responses are uncommon, so it is reserved for documented progression rather than indolent disease.
- Small single-arm study in a slow-growing disease, where stable disease may reflect natural history.
- Dose reductions were needed in most patients.