Dr. Wei on the Use of Cabozantinib in Advanced Kidney Cancer

Xiao X. Wei, MD, MAS, instructor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the side effect profile of cabozantinib (Cabometyx) in advanced kidney cancer.

Cabozantinib has a relatively similar side effect profile compared with the other tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib (Sutent) and pazopanib (Votrient). Data from the CABOSUN study compared cabozantinib with sunitinib, so physicians have an idea of how the 2 agents are side by side. The randomized phase II trial of 157 patients compared the 2 agents on the regular 4/2 dose schedule. The primary endpoint of investigator assessment response was met at 8.2 months versus 5.6 months respectively. The overall survival data, at a median follow-up of 20 months or more, favored cabozantinib.

Diarrhea is much more frequently seen with cabozantinib, states Wei. It’s the most common reason why patients require a dose reduction. When physicians use cabozantinib to treat patients with advanced kidney cancer, they should be ready to hold the agent and reduce the dose if necessary.