Health Canada has approved Votrient (pazopanib) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. According to the Health Canada announcement, the Notice of Compliance (NOC) states that pazopanib has been approved for first-line treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, or second-line treatment following cytokine therapy (such as Inteferon or Interleukin).

Submissions will be made to the Joint Oncology Drug Review (JODR) and to the Conseil de medicament (Quebec) for reimbursement recommendations. Based upon our past experiences, we understand that this process, including provincial decisions on funding, may take up to one year after the submission is made to Joint Oncology Drug Review. Further information about programs for accessing pazopanib will be available on our website when known. In the meantime, patients with private drug insurance may be able to access pazopanib beginning later this summer when supplies are available in Canada.

If you have any questions about Votrient/pazopanib for mrcc, please ask your oncologist.