What targets does cabozantinib contain and its mechanism of action?

Cabozantinib is an oral multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can simultaneously act on multiple key tumor-promoting signaling pathways to achieve broad-spectrum anti-tumor effects. Its main targets include vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1, 2, and 3, mesothelin receptor kinase (MET), AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, and RET, etc. The VEGFR family plays a central role in the angiogenesis process of tumors. Cabozantinib inhibits VEGFR signaling, blocks the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, and cuts off the oxygen and nutrient supply to tumors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

MET and AXL receptors play important roles in the invasion, migration and drug resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. By inhibiting these targets, cabozantinib not only prevents the direct proliferation of tumor cells, but also reduces the ability of tumors to metastasize, effectively overcoming the resistance of some tumors to single-target treatments. The RET gene has a significant carcinogenic effect in tumor types such as medullary thyroid cancer. Cabozantinib's inhibitory effect on RET makes it an important drug for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer.

Cabotinib competitively binds to the ATP-binding site of the target tyrosine kinase, inhibits the phosphorylation activity of the kinase, and blocks multiple downstream signaling pathways, such as Ras/MAPK, PI3K/AKT and other key pathways, resulting in the obstruction of tumor cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and suppression of the tumor microenvironment. Its multi-target mechanism not only enhances the anti-tumor effect of the drug, but also helps reduce the risk of drug resistance faced by single-targeted drugs. Research also shows that cabozantinib can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and improve the ability of immune cells to recognize and eliminate tumors, thereby improving the overall therapeutic effect.

Taken together, cabozantinib's multi-target mechanism of action provides a solid molecular basis for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer, highlighting its unique value and broad application prospects in modern precision tumor treatment.

Reference:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabozantinib