Stivarga: The Brand Name for Regorafenib
Regorafenib is a generic drug name, while Stivarga is the corresponding brand name. Many medications are known by both a generic and a brand name. The generic name refers to the active chemical compound, whereas the brand name is the trademarked name given by the manufacturer to market the drug. In the case of regorafenib, it is the active ingredient in the medication sold under the trade name Stivarga. This targeted cancer therapy belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors and is manufactured by Bayer.
What is Stivarga (Regorafenib)?
Stivarga is an oral prescription anticancer medicine that works by blocking multiple kinases. Kinases are enzymes that play a crucial role in cell growth, proliferation, and signaling pathways. By inhibiting these specific proteins, regorafenib can help to slow down or stop the spread of cancer cells. Its mechanism involves blocking proteins associated with both cancer cell growth and the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow, a process known as angiogenesis.
How Does Regorafenib Work?
Regorafenib functions as a multi-kinase inhibitor, targeting a broad spectrum of kinases involved in the pathology of cancer. Its action extends to both the tumor cells themselves and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. It exhibits anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1-3, and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains 2 (TIE2). In addition to its anti-angiogenic properties, regorafenib also blocks oncogenic (cancer-causing) kinases, including c-KIT, RET, and BRAF, which are vital for tumor cell survival and growth. This dual mechanism of action, targeting both the tumor and its blood supply, makes it an effective systemic therapy.
Approved Uses for Stivarga (Regorafenib)
Stivarga is FDA-approved for the treatment of several specific types of cancer, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages. Its uses include:
- Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC): Used in patients whose cancer has progressed after receiving prior treatment with certain chemotherapy regimens and other therapies.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): Prescribed for patients with advanced or metastatic GIST that is unresectable and has progressed despite previous treatments with other targeted agents like imatinib and sunitinib.
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Indicated for patients with liver cancer who have been previously treated with sorafenib.
Side Effects of Stivarga (Regorafenib)
As with many cancer treatments, Stivarga can cause a range of side effects. Common and serious side effects have been observed in clinical trials.
Common Side Effects:
- Hand-foot skin reaction (redness, swelling, pain on palms and soles)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores or mucositis
- Weight loss
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Serious Side Effects:
- Severe bleeding
- Liver toxicity, which can be severe and potentially fatal
- Tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (bowel perforation)
- Heart problems, including heart attack
- Risk of wound healing problems
Patients should be monitored closely by their healthcare providers throughout treatment to manage and mitigate these risks. For a complete list of potential side effects, refer to the full prescribing information.
Comparison: Regorafenib (Generic) vs. Stivarga (Brand)
| Feature | Regorafenib | Stivarga |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Name Type | Generic Name | Brand Name |
| Manufacturer | Various (generic manufacturers) | Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
| FDA Approval Date | Generic versions may be approved later | First approved September 27, 2012 |
| Key Indications | Metastatic CRC, GIST, HCC | Metastatic CRC, GIST, HCC |
| Drug Class | Kinase inhibitor | Kinase inhibitor |
| Formulation | As tablets | 40 mg tablets |
| Pricing | Often lower cost than brand name | Typically more expensive than generic |
Conclusion
In summary, the most common other name for Regorafenib is Stivarga. As a multi-kinase inhibitor, Stivarga works by targeting several proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. It is an important oral treatment option for patients with specific advanced cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and hepatocellular carcinoma, who have exhausted other standard treatments. Its mechanism provides benefits across different patient subgroups and mutation statuses. While effective, the drug does come with a notable profile of potential side effects, requiring careful management under a healthcare provider's supervision. For more comprehensive information on its mechanisms and trials, resources like the National Cancer Institute provide detailed data on Regorafenib, also known as Stivarga.
Visit the National Cancer Institute for more detailed information on Regorafenib (Stivarga)
