Sunitinib
Sunitinib is an oral targeted therapy used to treat certain cancers by inhibiting multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and blood vessel formation. It is commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Sunitinib is a targeted cancer therapy that inhibits enzymes driving tumor growth and blood vessel formation in certain solid tumors.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01EX01
- RxNorm
- 357977
- Generic
- Sunitinib
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Sutent
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Sunitinib is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) after disease progression on imatinib, advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). Treatment decisions are made by oncologists based on individual patient factors.
Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). These kinases are involved in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels that feed tumors), and metastatic progression of cancer.
Common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, hypertension, and thyroid dysfunction. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and cardiac function may be required. Patients should report any signs of bleeding, heart problems, or severe skin reactions to their healthcare provider promptly.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy