Adverse events and management of apatinib in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers: A review

Apatinib (YN968D1) is a novel and highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and is approved as a third-line and subsequent-line treatment for advanced gastric adenocarcinoma or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma in China. Apatinib is also widely studied in other solid tumors. With the increase in clinical research of apatinib, its adverse effects have also received widespread attention. Hence, this article summarizes the pharmacological properties of apatinib and reviews its clinical use in advanced or metastatic cancers. We highlight the common adverse reactions of apatinib in clinical applications and we also clarify the corresponding prevention and intervention measures. Overall, this review will help us better understand the safety and efficacy of apatinib treatment.