Cabometyx

Cabometyx is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used to treat various cancers, including advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and differentiated thyroid cancer that has progressed despite radioactive iodine treatment. It works by blocking multiple enzymes (kinases) involved in tumour growth, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread.

Benefits

• Approved for advanced kidney cancer in both previously treated and untreated patients.
• Helps improve overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with liver cancer who have been previously treated with sorafenib.
• Effective in radioactive iodine-refractory thyroid cancer by delaying tumour progression.
• Targets multiple pathways (VEGFR, MET, AXL, RET), helping reduce tumour growth and spread.
• Administered orally, offering a convenient at-home treatment alternative to intravenous therapies.
• Demonstrates anti-angiogenic effects, reducing blood supply to tumours and slowing their growth.

Dosage

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): Recommended dose is 60 mg once daily.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): 60 mg once daily following prior treatment with sorafenib.
• Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: 60 mg once daily for patients who have progressed after radioactive iodine therapy.
• Tablets should be taken without food — at least 2 hours after and 1 hour before eating.
• Dose adjustments may be required based on tolerance, organ function, or side effects.

Warnings and Precautions

• Gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas (including fatal cases) have been reported; monitor for abdominal pain or unusual symptoms.
• Risk of serious bleeding, particularly in patients with a history of bleeding disorders or tumour invasion into blood vessels.
• Hypertension may develop or worsen; blood pressure should be monitored and controlled prior to and during treatment.
• Thromboembolic events such as stroke or heart attack can occur.
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been observed; dental exams are recommended before starting treatment.
• Can impair wound healing; treatment should be stopped before surgery and resumed only after adequate healing.
• May cause proteinuria; regular monitoring of kidney function and urine protein levels is advised.
• Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
• Risk of QT interval prolongation; caution in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Usage Instructions

• Take exactly as prescribed, once daily at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
• Do not eat for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking the tablet.
• If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours until the next dose, skip it. Do not take two doses at once.
• Treatment should continue unless stopped or adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Storage Information

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from moisture, heat, and direct light.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Common Side Effects

• Mild to moderate effects:Diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores (stomatitis),skin changes (rash, hand-foot syndrome), high blood pressure
• Serious (seek medical help): Severe bleeding or vomiting blood, chest pain or stroke symptoms, jaw pain or exposed bone in the mouth, abdominal pain with fever, severe headache or confusion,swelling, shortness of breath, or signs of blood clots