Anlotinib: A Novel Molecular-Targeted Drug for Tumours

Abstract

Anlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It inhibits tumour growth by inhibiting the phosphorylation of angiogenesis-related receptors and attenuating the expression of related signals downstream of this pathway. Anlotinib has shown good antitumour activity and tolerability in patients with tumours, and multitargeted inhibition of angiogenesis does not lead to drug resistance due to excessive bypass activation. Moreover, its antitumour activity is superior to that of sunitinib, a conventional angiogenesis inhibitor. Results from several clinical studies have indicated that anlotinib improves progression-free survival and overall survival. Most adverse effects of anlotinib treatment were found to be alleviated by dose adjustment and symptomatic supportive therapy in several clinical trials. Therefore, anlotinib is a promising drug for oncology patients that is safe, effective, and tolerable, allowing patients with advanced cancer to benefit from drug therapy. This article reviews the basic information, antitumour mechanisms, clinical applications, clinical trial findings, and adverse effects of anlotinib and describes the problems in anlotinib research. It concludes with an outlook on future work.