A combination of cadonilimab, a dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immunotherapy, and axitinib showed promising results as a first-line treatment for advanced non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC).
In a phase 1b/2 trial involving 37 patients, the treatment achieved an objective response rate of 51.6%, while 96.8% of patients experienced disease control. The median progression-free survival was 14.2 months, and responses lasted a median of 17.5 months. The strongest benefits were seen in patients with FH-deficient RCC and those with liver metastases.
The treatment was generally manageable, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported. The recommended phase 2 dose was established as cadonilimab 10 mg/kg every three weeks combined with axitinib 5 mg twice daily.
All patients experienced treatment-related side effects, and about 60% had severe (grade 3 or higher) adverse events. Common side effects included elevated triglycerides, liver enzyme increases, proteinuria, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. Although treatment interruptions were common, very few patients stopped therapy permanently, and no treatment-related deaths occurred.
Title: Cadonilimab Plus Axitinib Shows Strong Activity in Advanced Non–Clear Cell Kidney Cancer Trial