Axitinib is a potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, -2, and -3. By blocking these receptors, axitinib prevents the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors need to grow, effectively starving the cancer cells.

Axitinib is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after failure of one prior systemic therapy. It is used alone to treat advanced RCC in people who have not been successfully treated with another medication. It is administered as an oral tablet. As a multi-kinase inhibitor, axitinib provides a targeted therapy option for patients with advanced kidney cancer, helping to slow or stop the growth and spread of the disease.