Avelumab with axitinib for untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma

Avelumab (Bavencio) with axitinib is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adults with a favourable risk status, as defined in the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium criteria. A favourable risk status means the person has none of the factors that predict intermediate or poor outcomes listed in the criteria.

If you are not eligible for avelumab with axitinib but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your healthcare professional decide when best to stop.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on shared decision making.

Questions to think about

• How well does it work compared with other treatments?
• What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
• How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
• What happens if the treatment does not work?
• What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS webpage on kidney cancer may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

• Action Kidney Cancer, 0800 121 8721
• Kidney Cancer UK, 0800 002 9002
• Kidney Research UK, 0300 303 1100
• Cancer Research UK, 0808 800 4040
• Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808 808 0000.

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-7653-9