Efficacy

Efficacy of Cometriq (Cabozantinib) in the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

Cometriq (cabozantinib) is an oral medication that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). The efficacy of Cometriq in treating thyroid cancer was demonstrated in a pivotal phase III clinical trial known as the EXAM study. In this study, Cometriq significantly increased the median progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic MTC compared to placebo. The results showed a median PFS of 11.2 months for patients treated with Cometriq versus 4.0 months for those on placebo, indicating a substantial delay in tumor progression.

It is important to note that while Cometriq has shown efficacy in treating medullary thyroid cancer, its use is not indicated for the treatment of patients with other types of thyroid cancer, such as differentiated thyroid cancer or anaplastic thyroid cancer. The specific targeting of Cometriq to the RET and VEGFR pathways, which are commonly altered in MTC, underpins its therapeutic effect in this subtype of thyroid cancer.

Efficacy of Cabometyx (Cabozantinib) in the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is another formulation of the same active ingredient used in Cometriq and is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, Cabometyx has been investigated for its potential use in different types of thyroid cancer beyond MTC. In clinical trials, Cabometyx has shown promise in treating radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This is significant because patients with DTC who no longer respond to radioactive iodine therapy have limited treatment options.

Though not yet approved for this indication, the data from clinical trials suggest that Cabometyx could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced DTC. The efficacy of Cabometyx in this patient population will continue to be evaluated in ongoing clinical trials, and the results of these studies will help to define its role in the management of thyroid cancer. As with all medications, the benefits of Cabometyx in treating thyroid cancer must be weighed against its potential side effects, and its use should be guided by a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of thyroid cancer.