Study of Safety and Efficacy of VEGF Inhibitors in Actual Use

In collaboration with a major international pharmaceutical company, Analysis Group conducted studies on a number of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitor drugs in use by patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. These drugs, which are used as cancer therapy to prevent the growth of blood vessels in tumors, are related to a number of side effects. Some patients using specific VEGF inhibitor therapies experience side effects severe enough to interrupt treatment, or to cause switching to another VEGF inhibitor. Our team, including Managing Principal Mei Sheng Duh, undertook an examination of medical records from several US hospitals, as well as hospitals in six European and two Asian countries, to better understand the safety and efficacy issues associated with on-market VEGF inhibitors. We also assessed rates and causes of switching among different drugs.