Influence of Sutent on Tumor Vascularization and Necrosis in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

Pilot Study on the Influence of Sutent on Tumor Vascularization and Necrosis in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of Sunitinib on tumor vascularization and necrosis in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

Sutent is an angiogenesis inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cell cancer. Very often tumor necrosis is seen after the start of the treatment. It is unknown after how many days this effect starts. In patients with renal cell cancer with metastases, who will be treated with Sutent, 3 MRIs will be made. Kep, R2*, b-coefficient (perfusion, hypoxia, blood volume and necrosis) will be measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with metastatic renal cell cancer for whom treatment with Sunitinib is planned
• histologically verified stage IV renal cell carcinoma of clear cell type
• measurable primary tumor or metastases (minimal diameter 2 cm) at other sites than the lungs
• Karnofsky score > 70%
• age > 18 year.
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• contra-indications for MRI
• contra-indications for treatment with Sunitinib
• previous systemic treatment within the last 30 days