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cabozantinib (tablet)
Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including AXL, FLT3, KIT, MER, MET, RET, ROS1, TIE-2, TRKB, TYRO3, and VEGF, with effects on cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
| Effects with food |
Co-administration with a high-fat meal increased peak concentrations by 41% and AUC by 57%, relative to fasted conditions. |
| Peak plasma levels |
3 to 4 hours |
| Time to reach steady state |
15 Days |
| PPB |
≥99.7% to plasma proteins |
| Active metabolites |
Yes |
| Inactive metabolites |
Yes |
| Half-life |
~ 99 hours |
| Feces |
54% |
| Urine |
27% |
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC)
Refer to the product monograph for a full list of approved indications.
Emetogenic Potential:
The following table lists adverse effects that occurred in ≥10% of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma receiving cabozantinib, where incidences were higher compared to everolimus in a phase III trial. Severe adverse events from other studies or post-marketing may also be included. Adverse effects marked with “^” were observed in combination treatment with nivolumab.
| ORGAN SITE | SIDE EFFECT* (%) | ONSET** | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Arterial thromboembolism (1%) | E | |||
| Artery aneurysm (rare) | E D L | ||||
| Artery dissection (rare) | E D L | ||||
| Hypertension (39%) (16% severe; including hypertensive crisis) | E | ||||
| PR interval prolonged ,bradycardia (rare) | E | ||||
| QT interval prolonged (rare) | E | ||||
| Venous thromboembolism (9%) | E D | ||||
| Dermatological | Hand-foot syndrome (42%) (8% severe) | E | |||
| Rash (23%) (including dry skin) | E | ||||
| Gastrointestinal | Abdominal pain (23%) | E | |||
| Anorexia, weight loss (46%) | E | ||||
| Constipation (25%) | E | ||||
| Diarrhea (74%) (11% severe) | E | ||||
| Dyspepsia (12%) | E | ||||
| Gastrointestinal fistula (2%) (may be severe) | E | ||||
| GI perforation (1%) | E | ||||
| Mucositis (22%) | E | ||||
| Nausea, vomiting (50%) (4% severe) | E | ||||
| General | Fatigue (56%) (9% severe) | E | |||
| Wound complication (<2%) (may be severe) | E | ||||
| Hematological | Anemia (17%) | E | |||
| Hemorrhage (3%) (severe) | E | ||||
| Thrombocytopenia (11%) (HCC study) | E | ||||
| Hepatobiliary | Cholestasis (<2%) | E | |||
| Hepatic encephalopathy (4%) | E | ||||
| Hepatotoxicity (rare) | E | ||||
| ↑ LFTs (26%) (3% severe) | E | ||||
| Other - vanishing bile duct syndrome (rare) (with prior or concurrent immune checkpoint inhibitor exposure) | E D | ||||
| Pancreatitis (<2%) | E | ||||
| Metabolic / Endocrine | Abnormal electrolyte(s) (23%) (↓ PO4, Mg, Ca, Na, K) | E | |||
| Adrenal insufficiency (5%) ^ | E D | ||||
| Hyperthyroidism (10%) ^ | E | ||||
| Hypothyroidism (21%) | E | ||||
| Musculoskeletal | Musculoskeletal pain (14%) (including muscle spasms) | E | |||
| Osteonecrosis of jaw (<2%) | D | ||||
| Nervous System | Dizziness (11%) | E | |||
| Dysgeusia (24%) | E | ||||
| Headache (11%) | E | ||||
| Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) (<2%) | E | ||||
| Seizure (<2%) | E | ||||
| Renal | Proteinuria (12%) | E | |||
| Respiratory | Cough, dyspnea (19%) | E | |||
| Dysphonia (20%) | E | ||||
| Pleural effusion (may be severe) | E | ||||
* "Incidence" may refer to an absolute value or the higher value from a reported range.
"Rare"
may refer to events with < 1% incidence, reported in post-marketing, phase 1 studies,
isolated data or anecdotal
reports.
** I = immediate (onset in hours to days)
E = early (days to weeks)
D = delayed (weeks to months)
L = late (months to years)
The most common side effects for cabozantinib include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, hypertension, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), ↑ LFTs, constipation, dysgeusia and abdominal pain.
Most side effects can occur early in the course of treatment, physicians should evaluate the patient closely during the first eight weeks of treatment to determine if dose modifications are warranted. Some side effects with early onset include hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, HFS, proteinuria, and GI events.
Cabozantinib is associated with an increased risk of arterial or venous thrombotic events, including fatal cases. In the HCC study, portal vein thrombosis was observed. Patients with a history of portal vein invasion appear to be at higher risk.
Serious GI perforations and fistulas, sometimes fatal, have been observed with cabozantinib. Persistent or recurring diarrhea while on treatment may be a risk factor for the development of anal fistula.
Severe cases of artery dissection (with or without hypertension) and artery aneurysm (including rupture) have been reported in patients using VEGFR TKIs.
Severe hemorrhage, including fatal events have occurred with cabozantinib. Risk factors in advanced HCC may include tumour invasion of major blood vessels, underlying liver cirrhosis resulting in esophageal varices, portal hypertension, and thrombocytopenia.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurred rarely with cabozantinib. Patients should maintain proper oral hygiene practices. If possible, withhold therapy for at least 28 days prior to scheduled invasive dental procedures.
Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been rarely observed in the thyroid cancer pivotal trial. This syndrome should be considered in any patient presenting with multiple symptoms, including seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion or altered mental function.
Wound complications have been reported in 2% of RCC patients treated with cabozantinib after VEGF-targeted therapy. Treatment should be held for at least 28 days prior to scheduled surgery, with resumption of therapy dependent on judgment of adequate wound healing post-surgery.
Primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency have been reported in cabozantinib combination treatment with nivolumab. Majority of patients received hormone replacement therapy, including systemic corticosteroids and adrenal insufficiency resolving in approximately 1/4 of patients.
Higher incidences of severe LFT elevations were observed with cabozantinib and nivolumab relative to cabozantinib monotherapy. Some cases occurred after treatment discontinuation.
Hypocalcemia has been observed at a higher frequency and/or increased severity in patients with thyroid cancer compared to patients with other cancers.
Refer to protocol by which the patient is being treated.
Screen for hepatitis B virus in all cancer patients starting systemic treatment. Refer to the hepatitis B virus screening and management guideline.
Cabozantinib tablets and capsules are not interchangeable.
Prior to initiating cabozantinib therapy:
-
Blood pressure should be well-controlled.
-
Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia should be corrected.
-
Optimal control of thyroid function is recommended.
- An oral examination is recommended.
Hold treatment for at least 28 days prior to scheduled surgery, including dental surgery; resume based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing.
Monotherapy:
Oral: 60 mg Daily
In combination with nivolumab:
Oral: 40 mg Daily
Refer to the CABO+NIVL regimen monograph for details.
Refer to Interactions section for dosing when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors.
Dose Levels
Monotherapy Dose Levels:
| Dose Level |
Cabozantinib (Tablet) Dose |
| 0 | 60 |
| -1 | 40 |
| -2* | 20 |
| -3 | Discontinue |
*If previously receiving lowest dose, restart at the same dose if tolerated. Otherwise, discontinue.
Dose Levels in Combination with Nivolumab:
| Dose Level |
Cabozantinib (Tablet) Dose |
| 0 | 40 mg daily |
| -1 | 20 mg daily |
| -2* | 20 mg every other day |
| -3 | Discontinue |
*If previously receiving lowest dose, restart at the same dose if tolerated. Otherwise, discontinue.
Dosage with Toxicity:
| Toxicity | Severity | Action for Cabozantinib |
| Hand-foot syndrome | Intolerable Grade 2 or Grade 3 | Hold**; restart at 1 dose level ↓ |
| Diarrhea |
Intolerable Grade 2 OR Grade 3-4 diarrhea that cannot be managed with standard antidiarrheals |
Hold**; restart at 1 dose level ↓^ |
| Hypertension |
Intolerable Grade 2 OR Grade 3 |
Hold**, restart at 1 dose level ↓ |
|
Grade 4 (including hypertensive crisis) OR Severe uncontrolled hypertension despite optimal therapy |
Discontinue | |
| Proteinuria | Grade 2 or 3 | Hold**, restart at 1 dose level ↓ |
| Grade 4 (including nephrotic syndrome) | Discontinue | |
| Osteonecrosis of the jaw | Any |
Hold until complete resolution. Restart at 1 dose level ↓ |
| Unmanageable fistula or GI perforation | Any | Discontinue |
| Severe hemorrhage | ||
| Arterial or venous thromboembolic event that requires medical intervention (e.g., MI, cerebral infarction) | ||
| Torsade de pointes or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or signs/symptoms of serious arrhythmia | ||
| Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome | ||
| Wound healing complications requiring medical intervention | ||
| Other related hematologic/ non-hematologic/ organ toxicity | Intolerable grade 2 and cannot be adequately managed | Hold**; restart at 1 dose level ↓^ |
| ≥ Grade 3 |
**Restart if toxicity resolved to ≤ grade 1 or baseline. Discontinue if toxicity does not resolve after 6 weeks.
^Or consider discontinuing for persistent or recurrent significant GI toxicity.
Hepatic Toxicity During Treatment
Refer to the product monographs for details during combination treatment with nivolumab (RCC).
Suggested Dose Modifications for Hepatic Toxicity During Monotherapy*:
|
Baseline |
|
During treatment |
Action |
|
AST, ALT, and bilirubin ≤ 3 x ULN |
and |
AST or ALT > 5 x ULN OR bilirubin > 3 x ULN |
Consider hold, then
|
|
Any |
and |
Drug-induced liver injury (AST or ALT > 3 ULN AND bilirubin > 2 x ULN in absence of another likely cause) |
Discontinue |
*adapted from Abou-Alfa et al, and Choueiri et al.
Starting Dose:
| Liver Impairment |
Monotherapy (Tablet) Starting Dose (mg/day) |
Starting Dose in Combination with Nivolumab |
| Mild | No dosage adjustment required. Monitor patient closely. | Not been studied; no dosing recommendation can be provided. |
| Moderate | 40 mg. Monitor patient closely. | |
| Severe | Not recommended (has not been studied) | Not recommended (has not been studied) |
Note: The HCC clinical trial (Abou-Alfa et al) included patients with Child-Pugh class A, with AST or ALT < 5 x ULN at baseline.
| Renal Impairment | Cabozantinib (Tablet) Dose (mg/day) |
|
Mild or moderate (eGFR ≥ 30mL/min) |
No dosage adjustment required. Use with caution. |
| Severe (eGFR < 29 mL/min) | Not recommended (has not been studied) |
No dosage adjustment is required. There were no overall differences in safety or efficacy between patients aged 65 or older and younger patients.
There were no overall differences in pharmacokinetics based on race.
The safety and efficacy has not been established in the pediatric population.
-
Tablets should be administered on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after food.
-
Tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.
-
In combination treatment, administer nivolumab first during the day, then cabozantinib on an empty stomach, preferably in the evening.
-
Avoid grapefruit, starfruit, Seville oranges, their juices or products during treatment.
-
If a dose is missed, it should not be taken within 12 hours of the next dose.
- Cabozantinib should be stored between 15oC to 25oC.
Patients who have a hypersensitivity to this drug or to any components of the formulation.
-
Patients with a history of severe bleeding should be evaluated carefully before starting treatment. Do not give cabozantinib to patients with or at risk for severe hemorrhage or a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena.
-
Patients were excluded from clinical studies if they had conditions such as cardiac impairment, untreated or incompletely treated varices with bleeding or high risk for bleeding (in HCC study)
-
Use cabozantinib with caution in patients at risk for, or who have a history of:
-
Venous and/or arterial thromboembolism
-
Hypertension
-
Inflammatory bowel disease, tumour infiltration in the GI tract, or complications from prior GI surgery (particularly when associated with delayed or incomplete healing)
-
Severe bleeding
-
Low heart rate at baseline (< 60 beats per minute)
-
Syncope/arrhythmia, QT prolongation, sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, atrioventricular (AV) block, ischemic heart disease, or congestive heart failure
-
Wound complications
-
-
Tablets contain lactose; carefully consider use in patients with hereditary galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
-
Use caution when driving or operating machinery as cabozantinib may cause fatigue, dizziness and weakness.
Other Drug Properties:
-
Carcinogenicity:
Unknown
-
Genotoxicity:
No
-
Clastogenicity:
No
-
Teratogenicity:
Documented in animals
-
Embryotoxicity:
Documented in animals
-
Pregnancy:
- Cabozantinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Adequate contraception should be used by patients and their partners during treatment, and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
- The effect of cabozantinib on oral contraceptives has not been studied; an additional contraceptive method (e.g. barrier) is recommended.
-
Excretion into breast milk:
Unknown
-
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
-
Fertility effects:
Probable
Documented in animals.
Cabozantinib is a substrate of CYP3A4 and a moderate inhibitor of the multidrug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
In vitro, cabozantinib is a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4 and a mixed inhibitor of CYP2D6.
No dose adjustment required for cabozantinib when it is used with gastric pH modifying agents (e.g. PPIs, H2 RAs, antacids).
The effect of cabozantinib on oral contraceptives has not been studied; an additional contraceptive method (e.g. barrier) is recommended.
| AGENT | EFFECT | MECHANISM | MANAGEMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (i.e. ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, fruit or juice from grapefruit, Seville oranges or starfruit) | ↑ cabozantinib exposure (co-administration with ketoconazole increased AUC by 38%) | ↓ metabolism and ↓ clearance of cabozantinib | Consider alternatives to strong inhibitors. If concurrent use with a strong inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce cabozantinib dose by 20 mg. 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the strong inhibitor, resume cabozantinib at previous dose. |
| CYP3A4 inducers (i.e. phenytoin, rifampin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John’s Wort, etc) | ↓ cabozantinib exposure (co-administration with rifampicin decreased AUC by 77%) | ↑ metabolism and ↑ clearance of cabozantinib | Avoid chronic co-administration with strong inducers. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, increase cabozantinib dose by 20 mg as tolerated. 2 to 3 days after discontinuation of the strong inducers, resume cabozantinib at previous dose. Do not exceed a daily dose of 80 mg. |
| MRP2 Inhibitors (i.e. cyclosporine, reserpine, estradiol-17β-glucuronide, etc) | ↑ cabozantinib concentration and/or toxicity in vitro | Cabozantinib is a substrate of MRP2 | Caution; monitor therapy |
| P-glycoprotein substrates (i.e. verapamil, digoxin, morphine, ondansetron) | ↑ substrate concentration and/or toxicity | Cabozantinib is a P-gp inhibitor | Caution; monitor therapy |
| Drugs that may prolong QT (i.e. amiodarone, procainamide, sotalol, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, sunitinib, methadone, chloroquine, clarithromycin, haloperidol, fluconazole, moxifloxacin, domperidone, ondansetron, etc) | ↑ risk of life-threatening arrhythmias | Additive | Avoid co-administration to the extent possible. |
| Drugs that decrease heart rate and/or prolong PR Interval (i.e. antiarrhythmics, beta antagonists, non-dihydropyridine Ca channel blockers, digitalis glycosides, cholinesterase inhibitors, sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulators, HIV protease inhibitors, alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists, etc) | ↑ risk of bradycardia and PR Interval | Additive | Avoid co-administration to the extent possible. |
| Drugs that disrupt electrolyte levels (i.e. loop/thiazide diuretics, laxatives, amphotericin B, high dose corticosteroids) | ↑ risk of life-threatening arrhythmias | Caution; monitor therapy | |
| Drugs with high protein binding (e.g. warfarin) | Possible ↑ effects of displaced drugs | Cabozantinib protein binding may displace other protein-bound drugs | Caution; monitor therapy (e.g. INR) |
| Bisphosphonates | ↑ risk of ONJ | Additive | Caution |
Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.
Refer to the hepatitis B virus screening and management guideline for monitoring during and after treatment.
| Monitor Type | Monitor Frequency |
|---|---|
ECG, heart rate and blood pressure |
Baseline and as clinically indicated |
Electrolytes, including calcium, potassium and magnesium |
Baseline and as clinically indicated (more frequent monitoring may be required in patients at risk of serious arrhythmias or hypocalcemia) |
Liver function tests |
Baseline and as clinically indicated (more frequently when used in combination with nivolumab) |
Renal function tests |
Baseline and as clinically indicated |
Thyroid function tests |
Baseline and as clinically indicated |
Clinical toxicity assessment for GI effects (including perforations, fistulas), bleeding, skin effects including hand-foot syndrome, respiratory and neurologic effects, thromboembolism, proteinuria, pancreatitis, osteonecrosis of the jaw and wound healing complications |
At each visit |
Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
| Monitor Type | Monitor Frequency |
|---|---|
INR for patients receiving warfarin |
Baseline and as clinically indicated |
Exceptional Access Program (EAP Website)
- cabozantinib - For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), based on criteria
- cabozantinib - For the treatment of unresectable, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on criteria
- cabozantinib - For the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible
- cabozantinib – For the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, in combination with nivolumab, based on criteria
Abou-Alfa GK, Meyer T, Cheng AL. Cabozantinib in patients with advanced and progressing hepatocellular carcinoma. N Engl J Med 2018;379:54-63.
Choueiri TK, Escudier B, Powles T, et al. Cabozantinib versus everolimus in advanced renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 2015;373:1814-23.
Choueiri TK, Escudier B, Powels T, et al. Cabozantinib versus everolimus in advanced renal cell carcinoma (METEOR): final results from a randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 2016;17(7):917-927.
Choueiri TK, Halabi S, Sanford BL, et al. Cabozantinib versus sunitinib as initial targeted therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of poor or intermediate risk: the Alliance A031203 CABOSUN trial. J Clin Oncol 2017 Feb 20;35(6):591-7.
Choueiri TK, Powles T, Burotto M, et al. Nivolumab plus cabozantinib versus sunitinib for advanced renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 2021 Mar 4;384(9):829-41.
EPAR - Product Information: Cabometyx™ (cabozantinib tablets). Ipsen Pharma, September 2023.
Prescribing Information: Cabometyx ® Exelixis, Inc. Alameda, CA 94502. September 2021.
Product Monograph: Cabometyx ™ (cabozantinib tablets). Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada Inc., September 2024.
Product Monograph Update: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs). Health Canada InfoWatch, June 2020.
December 2024 Updated Indications, Adverse effects, Dosing, Dosage with toxicity, and Monitoring sections
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
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