United States: Food and Drug Administration through its U.S. branch has approved the administration of cabozantinib (Cabometyx) as an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor for patients who have progressive neuroendocrine tumors after multiple treatment lines. The approval brings forward a new standard treatment for patients diagnosed with NETs according to HealthDay.
Breakthrough Findings from the CABINET Study
The FDA’s approval stems from findings obtained in the CABINET phase 3 clinical trial which conducted observations of advanced pancreatic and extrapancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients who prior received treatment. Research results published by the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that cabozantinib treatment extended stable disease duration for patients beyond placebo conditions.
A premature termination of the trial occurred in August 2023 when analytical findings confirmed substantial therapeutic advantages thus activating the unblinding of study participant groups.
Managing Side Effects
As HealthDay reports, the side effects of cabozantinib were consistent with previous studies and included increased blood pressure, persistent fatigue, and ongoing diarrhea.
Expert Insights on the Impact
Dr. Jennifer Chan, M.D., M.P.H., serves as Director at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and discusses the treatment difficulties affecting neuroendocrine tumor patients. She observed recent progress in medical treatments yet stressed that the cancer community requires immediate access to more powerful therapies for slowing disease advancement. Dr. Chan stated the FDA approval of cabozantinib provides patients with a vital new therapeutic choice that should improve their clinical results.
