A phase I study of cabozantinib (XL184) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

Maria E Cabanillas1, Marcia S Brose, Jaymes Holland

  • 11 Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas.

Abstract

Insights

Cabozantinib showed antitumor activity in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who had failed prior therapies. This tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) demonstrated a manageable safety profile, supporting further investigation in metastatic DTC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a malignancy that may respond to targeted therapies.
  • Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting MET, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2, and rearranged during transfection (RET).
  • This study evaluated cabozantinib in heavily pretreated metastatic DTC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of cabozantinib.
  • To evaluate cabozantinib in patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Main Methods:

  • A single-arm, open-label, phase I trial was conducted.
  • 15 adult patients with metastatic or unresectable DTC received daily oral cabozantinib (140 mg).
  • Safety was assessed via adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory tests; tumor response was evaluated using RECIST v1.0.

Main Results:

  • 15 patients with advanced DTC, pretreated with systemic agents and VEGF inhibitors, were enrolled.
  • Common adverse events included diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and decreased appetite.
  • Partial response was observed in 8 patients (53%); median progression-free and overall survival were not reached.

Conclusions:

  • Cabozantinib exhibits a safety profile consistent with other multi-targeted VEGFR inhibitors in advanced DTC.
  • The observed antitumor activity suggests cabozantinib warrants further investigation for advanced DTC treatment.