cabozantinib at a glance
Medicine class
Targeted anticancer treatment; multikinase inhibitor
Licensed cancer types
Selected kidney, liver, thyroid and neuroendocrine cancers
Food
Take on an empty stomach, following the product instructions
Formulations
Tablets and capsules are not bioequivalent and must not be interchanged
What is cabozantinib used for?
The precise licensed use depends on the formulation.
Capsules: progressive, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma in adults.
Tablets: advanced renal cell carcinoma in specified settings, including use with nivolumab as first-line treatment.
Tablets: hepatocellular carcinoma in adults previously treated with sorafenib.
Tablets: locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma that is refractory or unsuitable for radioactive iodine and has progressed during or after prior systemic treatment.
Tablets: unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated pancreatic or extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours that have progressed after qualifying prior systemic treatment.
How does cabozantinib work?
Cabozantinib blocks several receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly MET, VEGF receptors and RET. These proteins can support tumour growth, new blood-vessel formation, invasion and spread; blocking them can slow cancer progression.
cabozantinib preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 80 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg
How to take cabozantinib
Follow the instructions for the exact product supplied.
Swallow tablets whole; do not crush them.
Swallow capsules whole; do not open them.
Take on an empty stomach according to the product instructions.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Do not switch between tablets and capsules unless the specialist team has changed the prescription.
cabozantinib side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal discomfort
- Tiredness, weakness, reduced appetite and weight loss
- Sore mouth or throat and taste changes
- Painful redness or swelling of the palms and soles
- High blood pressure
- Rash, dry skin, itching or hair-colour changes
- Voice changes
- Changes in liver tests, thyroid function, blood counts, electrolytes or urine protein
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe bleeding
- Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula
- Blood clots, stroke or heart attack
- Hypertensive crisis or heart failure
- Severe dehydration or electrolyte disturbance
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Serious wound-healing complications
- Severe liver dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy
cabozantinib in pregnancy
Cabozantinib can harm a developing baby and should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless a specialist considers treatment clinically necessary. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for at least 4 months afterwards; oral contraception may need an additional barrier method. Discuss pregnancy plans and fertility preservation before treatment, and contact the oncology team promptly if pregnancy occurs.
cabozantinib while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment and for at least 4 months afterwards because harm to the infant cannot be excluded. Discuss feeding options with the oncology and maternity teams.
cabozantinib interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy-bought and herbal products with the oncology pharmacist because cabozantinib has clinically important interactions.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole and ritonavir
May increase cabozantinib exposure and toxicity; use requires specialist review.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May substantially reduce cabozantinib exposure; chronic combined use should be avoided.
Common questions about cabozantinib
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cabozantinib chemotherapy?
It is a targeted anticancer treatment called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, rather than conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Can cabozantinib tablets and capsules be swapped?
No. They are not bioequivalent and must not be interchanged without a new specialist prescription.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.