Axitinib is an approved therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (a form of kidney cancer). Dalantercept is an investigational drug that works by inhibiting the maturation of the blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.
In this study, researchers want to determine how effective and safe it is to add dalantercept to axitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma that has spread (metastasized) and cannot be surgically removed. They hope that the combination of both drugs is more effective for treating kidney cancer than either medication alone. Axitinib is given orally (by mouth), while dalantercept is given via injection under the skin.