The therapeutic effect of cabozantinib capsules

Cabozantinib capsules (Cometriq) are a pan-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. These receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in normal cellular functions and pathological processes, such as tumorigenesis, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment. Cabozantinib capsules are specifically approved for the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.

Cabozantinib inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of RET, MET, VEGFR-1, -2, and -3, KIT, TRKB, FLT-3, AXL, and TIE-2. These receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in normal cellular functions and pathological processes, such as tumorigenesis, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment.

The U.S.FDA approval ofcabotinibcapsules is based on an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial involving 330 subjects with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Subjects must have evidence of active disease progression as confirmed by an independent radiologic review committee or treating physician within 14 months prior to study entry. Subjects were randomized to receive cabozantinib capsules 140 mg or placebo orally once daily without food until disease progression or until intolerable toxicity occurs. Randomization was stratified by age (< 65 years vs. > 65 years) and previous use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The primary efficacy outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response (OR), and duration of response using modified RECIST criteria. PFS was significantly longer in the cabozantinib capsule group compared with placebo (p < 0.0001), with median PFS of 11.2 months in the cabozantinib capsule group and 4.0 months in the placebo group. Partial responses were observed only in subjects in the cabozantinib capsule group (27% vs. 0; p<0.0001). For subjects treated with cabozantinib capsules, the median duration of objective response was 14.7 months. In a planned interim analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between treatment groups.

Although cabozantinib capsules have significant therapeutic effects, patients may experience a series of adverse reactions during use, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, etc. Therefore, patients should take it correctly according to their condition under the guidance of a doctor, and closely monitor blood pressure and other related indicators. At the same time, patients should also pay attention to dietary adjustments, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and eat more protein-rich foods to enhance their physical fitness.

To sum up, cabozantinib capsule is an anti-tumor drug with wide indications and significant therapeutic effect. However, due to its many and potentially serious adverse reactions, patients should strictly follow medical instructions and monitor relevant indicators during use.