Avelumab and axitinib in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: safety and efficacy

Introduction: The incidence of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing. Over the last 10 years targeted therapies have led to improved efficacy outcomes for renal carcinoma, including longer survival. However, the majority of patients develop disease progression within a year of initiation of first-line therapy. Recently a number of new regimens have been investigated including the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with VEGF inhibitors. Areas covered: In this review, we assess the efficacy and safety of avelumab/axitinib in treatment-naive patients with metastatic RCC and compare this combination to other current and emerging treatment regimens. In the Javelin 101 phase III registration trial, avelumab/axitinib demonstrated superior response rates and progression-free survival compared to sunitinib. However, after follow-up of 11.6 months, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS). Avelumab/axitinib showed a tolerable safety profile. Adverse events were manageable and were in line with expected toxicities from the single agents. Expert Opinion: Avelumab/axitinib has shown impressive efficacy and a tolerable safety profile in metastatic RCC. The future role of this treatment combination in the rapidly evolving landscape of novel combinations in this disease will have to be defined.