Cabozantinib Gets Green Light

Exelixis' Cabometyx (cabozantinib) approved to treat kidney cancer

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new treatment for advanced kidney cancer.

That new treatment is Exelixis' Cabometyx (cabozantinib). It has been approved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) — otherwise known as kidney cancer — for those who have already received certain medications to treat cancer.

Cabozantinib, under the brand name Cometriq, is already approved to treat thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

A study of Cabometyx found that it appeared to delay the progression of cancer and increase overall survival.

Cabometyx is available in tablet form. The recommended dosing schedule is once a day.

Common side effects included diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and decreased appetite.

Review Date: 
April 26, 2016