Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancer, including kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma). It is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and works by blocking the signals that promote cancer cell growth. Cabozantinib helps slow tumor progression and may shrink tumors in some patients. Doctors often prescribe it when other treatments have not worked or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Uses of Cabozantinib

• Treatment of advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma).
• Management of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in certain cases.
• Used for medullary thyroid cancer that has spread.
• May be prescribed when other cancer treatments fail.

How Cabozantinib Works

Cabozantinib works by inhibiting multiple tyrosine kinases, which are proteins involved in tumor growth, blood vessel formation, and cancer spread. By blocking these pathways, it restricts the blood supply to tumors, slowing their growth and helping reduce their size.

Benefits of Cabozantinib

• Slows the progression of advanced kidney cancer.
• Helps shrink liver and thyroid tumors.
• Improves survival rates in some cancer patients.
• Works even when other treatments have failed.
• May delay the need for additional treatments.

How to Take Cabozantinib

• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
• Follow the full course as advised by your doctor.

Types of Dosage Available

• Cabozantinib 20 mg tablets.
• Cabozantinib 40 mg tablets.
• Cabozantinib 60 mg tablets.

Side Effects of Cabozantinib

• Common side effects: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting.
• May cause diarrhea or constipation.
• Increases risk of high blood pressure.
• Possible weight loss and appetite changes.
• Severe cases may cause liver or kidney problems.

Safety Advice

• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advised.
• Do not take with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Cabozantinib a chemotherapy drug?
A. No, it is a targeted therapy that blocks cancer cell growth pathways.

Q. How long does it take for Cabozantinib to work?
A. Results vary, but it may take weeks to months to see effects.

Q. Can Cabozantinib cure cancer?
A. It does not cure cancer but helps control its growth.

Q. What should I do if I miss a dose?
A. Take it as soon as you remember, but skip if it's close to the next dose.

Q. Is Cabozantinib safe for long-term use?
A. Doctors will monitor its effects and adjust treatment as needed.