What is "cediranib"

n. A potent inhibitor of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases, under development as a possible anticancer drug.

Cediranib (AZD-2171; tentative trade name Recentin) is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinases.

The drug is being developed by AstraZeneca as a possible anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent for oral administration.

Beginning in 2007, it underwent Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, and colorectal cancer in adults, as well as tumors of the central nervous system in children. Phase I trials of interactions with other drugs used in cancer treatment were also undertaken.

On February 27, 2008, AstraZeneca announced that the use of cediranib in non-small cell lung cancer will not progress into phase III after failing to meet its main goal. On 8 March 2010, AstraZeneca issued a press-release stating that cediranib had failed Phase III clinical trials for use in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer when it was compared clinically with the market-leader bevacizumab. As of November 2012, it was being assessed in double-blind studies for the treatment of methylated Glioblastoma Multiforme at the University of Washington Medical Center at a 20 mg daily dose.