Background: * Most treatments for malignant pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEO/PGL) are palliative and multidisciplinary. Chemotherapy using the combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine has been successfully utilized in the management of rapidly progressive metastatic PHEO, with more than 50% complete or partial tumor response and more than 70% complete or partial biochemical response. * Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and evidence of angiogenesis has been found in many PHEO/PGL, so it is plausible that interfering with VEGF signaling may result in anti-tumor activity in patients with PHEO/PGL. * Axitinib (AG-013736) is an oral, potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1, 2, and 3. Pre-clinical data suggests that the anti-tumor activity of axitinib may result from its anti-angiogenic activity and that this is reversible when treatment is discontinued. * Given the known clinical safety and efficacy of axitinib, an assessment of its activity in PHEO/PGL and its impact on the VEGF pathway in PHEO/PGL could provide valuable information. Objectives: * Determine the response rate of metastatic PHEO/PGL to axitinib (AG-013736). * Determine the progression-free survival of metastatic PHEO/PGL treated with axitinib (AG-013736). * Explore the relationship of potential biological markers of axitinib activity with clinical outcomes. * Perform pharmacogenomics analyses of drug metabolism and transport proteins through germline deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) examination. Eligibility: * Adults with a confirmed pathologic diagnosis of PHEO/PGL by the Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute (NCI) * Biochemical evidence of PHEO/PGL * Imaging confirmation of metastatic, locally advanced or unresectable disease. * Measurable disease at presentation * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status less than or equal to 2 * Patients must not have received prior therapy with a tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor Design: * Phase II, open label, non-randomized trial * Patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma will receive axitinib (AG-013736 twice a day (BID)) in eight-week cycles * Patients will be evaluated for response every eight weeks using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria * Tumor biopsies are not mandatory but every attempt will be made to obtain these from patients prior to starting axitinib and again 20 - 30 days after treatment has begun. * Approximately 12 to 37 patients will be needed to achieve the objectives of the trial
Age range
18 Years – 100 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Number of Participants With Clinical Response (Partial Response + Complete Response)
Timeframe: Patients were assessed every 12 weeks (+/- week) up to 40.6 months