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What class of drug is sorafenib?
Sorafenib is classified as a multikinase inhibitor. It is an oral medication that targets and inhibits multiple tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes involved in signaling pathways that promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. Specifically, sorafenib targets:
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) – involved in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which are needed for tumors to grow and spread. Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) – involved in tumor cell proliferation and survival. Raf kinase – part of the MAPK/ERK pathway, which is involved in cell division and survival. c-KIT – a receptor that may be implicated in the development of some cancers. FLT-3 – a receptor involved in the growth of leukemia cells. By inhibiting these kinases, sorafenib disrupts the growth of cancer cells and the formation of new blood vessels, which are needed for tumors to grow. |
