Question

All are true regarding Sunitinib except -

• A. It inhibits tyrosine kinase receptors
• B. It is used for renal cell carcinoma
• C. It is used for the treatment of GIST
• D. It is excreted primarily in urine

Hint:

Check the elimination route - liver and faeces, not urine.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Sunitinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks several receptors including PDGF receptor, VEGF receptor and c-kit, so option (a) is true.

Step 2: In renal cell carcinoma there is overexpression of VEGF, so VEGF-targeting agents like sunitinib and sorafenib are effective. This makes option (b) true.

Step 3: Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) shows overexpression of c-kit and PDGF, both of which sunitinib inhibits, so it is used in GIST. Option (c) is true.

Step 4: The exception is the route of elimination. Sunitinib is metabolised by the liver (CYP3A4) and is excreted mainly through the hepatic route into faeces, not primarily in urine. Therefore option (d) is the false statement and is the answer.