Latest clinical developments in 2024: Is cabozantinib dangerous?

Cabozantinib (Cabozantinib) is used to slow the progression of cancer and prolong the survival of cancer patients. Cabozantinib does not cure cancer. It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Its effectiveness in treating cancer depends on the type and advanced stage of a person's cancer. People who take cabozantinib usually stay on it until their cancer progresses or they have to stop the drug because of side effects or adverse reactions.

Cabozantinib is approved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) in people who have previously received treatment, and advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer. Like other drugs, cabozantinib has some potential dangers and side effects. Some common side effects include fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mouth sores, high blood pressure, red hands and feet, rash, etc. More serious side effects may include heart problems, hypertensive crises, bleeding tendencies, fractures, and more. Therefore, before using cabozantinib, doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient and determine whether the drug is suitable for use based on the patient's condition and overall health.

The original drug Cabozantinib is not marketed in the country and therefore cannot be included in medical insurance. The original cabozantinib drug marketed overseas includes Japanese, Turkish and European versions. The price of tablets may be more than 30,000 yuan, and the price of capsule preparations may be more than 40,000 yuan (prices may fluctuate due to exchange rates). There are also generic drugs produced in other countries overseas, and their pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drugs. For example, the price of pharmaceuticals produced by Bangladeshi pharmaceutical factories may be more than 2,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate), which is relatively cheap.