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Drugs Available to Help Treat Specific Types of Metastases

You will find information here about drugs that may be helpful to treat specific types of metastases related to renal cell carcinoma. Although some of these drugs are not specifically approved by Health Canada for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) physicians may be able to prescribe these drugs because they have been approved by Health Canada for use with other types of cancer(s).

As these drugs are not currently available under the public formularies for mRCC, patients will need to investigate whether or not these drugs may be covered through his or her private insurance, by a special access program in their province, or through a clinical trial. Remember to speak first with your oncologist who will best know whether this treatment could be helpful to you.

 

DENOSUMAB (XGEVA®)
For information about Xgeva, see the Health Canada Notice of Compliance.

 

ZOLEDRONIC ACIDE (ZOMETA®)
For information about Zometa you can go to the manufacturer’s website Zometa (U.S. Site)

The following two articles will provide you with some research results on the effects of Zometa on treating bone metastasis in mRCC
Zoldronic Acid and mRCC – Rosen – Aug 2003 – Journal of Clinical Oncology
Zoledronic Acid and mRCC – Lipton – April 2003 – American Cancer Society

In June 2010, Cancer Care Ontario released a Special Advice Report on the use of Zometa for mrcc bone mets. While this Advice Report is positive, you should check with your physician whether Zometa will be funded in your case.
Zometa for mrcc bone mets Ontario Advice Report

 

NOTE:

Information on patient assistance programs that may help access medications listed above can be found under Supportive Care Drugs in Treatment access information by province / territory

 

MORE INFORMATION:
Kidney Cancer Canada