Purpose: Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy & safety of targeted therapy (Sunitinib) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Indian population.

Methods: The hospital records of total ninety four patients were reviewed retrospectively in this study who were offered sunitinib for mRCC between 2008 to 2015. Out of ninety four patients 16 pateints (neo­adjuvant cases) were excluded and 78 were included in this study. All patients received Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib therapy (50 mg OD, 4/2 scheme). All 39 patients underwent radical nephrectomy prior to initiation of sunitinib therapy. Patients were followed up every cycle for their clinical symptoms following sunitinib therapy and at every 3 month with chest Xray, ultrasonography and bone scan, CT scan (if required). The RECIST criterion was used to evaluate the overall tumor response.

Results: The median survival was 28.5 months (range 9.253­47.7) and progression free survival (PFS) was 9.16 months (range 6.08­12.23). Clear cell histology was found in 60 (76.9%) patients, papillary variety in 12 (15.39%) patients, chromophobe type was seen in 2 patients and rest had mixed sarcamatoid papillary and rhabdoid clear cell variety. Forty eight patients (61.5%) had multiple metastases. Most frequent metastasis was seen in lungs in 28 patients (36%) and bone in 24 patients (31%). Metastasis was also seen in draining lymph nodes, adrenal, omentum, skin, liver, brain.

Conclusion: In our study, use of sunitinib showed similar outcome to previously  published articles. Our study supports the use of sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. 

Keywords: Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor; Sunitinib.