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A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. Sunitinib works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and blocking the development of a new blood supply (angiogenesis) to the tumour, thereby starving the tumour of nutrients and oxygen needed to grow. Sunitinib is a type of angiogenesis inhibitor. Sunitinib is the chemical (or generic) name of the drug, while Sutent is the brand (or trade) name under which the drug is licensed and sold.

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