First Quarter 2008 - Issues in Hematology - ION Solutions

drug update(PDGF-ß), FLT-3, RET, and C-KIT, which have beenshown to be important proangiogenic factors for tumorgrowth and metastasis. 5,12ConclusionNexavar is an oral multiple kinase inhibitor that preventstumor growth by blocking tumor cell proliferation andangiogenesis, two critical processes in the developmentof HCC. In the placebo-controlled Phase III SHARPtrial, therapy with Nexavar resulted in a significant 44%survival improvement in HCC patients, and is thus theonly agent that has demonstrated a survival benefit inthis malignancy. Therapy with Nexavar also resulted ina doubling of the time to cancer progression. Based onits efficacy and predictable side-effect profile, Nexavarmay be considered a standard of care for patients withunresectable HCC. Further trials are assessing theoptimal use of Nexavar in patients with HCC and othertumor types.Patient Support Programs to Begin andMaintain Nexavar TherapyPrescriptions for Nexavar tablets are not filled throughretail pharmacies but rather through specialty pharmacyproviders that are experienced with oncology products.To help patients begin and maintain Nexavar therapy,two support programs are available.oncologistics volume 7, issue 1 - spring 2008 5