Are there any serious side effects of Cabozantinib?

Cabozantinib (Cabozantinib) is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that mainly exerts anti-tumor effects by inhibiting VEGFR, MET, AXL and other signaling pathways closely related to tumor growth and angiogenesis. Because of its many targets, while cabozantinib brings therapeutic benefits, it may also be accompanied by a certain degree of adverse reactions. This is one of the issues that many patients are most concerned about before taking the drug.

Judging from overseas drug use experience, the side effects of cabozantinib are generally "predictable and manageable", but individual differences are large. Some patients have mild reactions in the early stages of medication, with only mild fatigue, loss of appetite, or oral discomfort, which have limited impact on daily life; some patients also have more obvious adverse reactions during the treatment process, which need to be improved through dose adjustment or symptomatic treatment. Common manifestations include diarrhea, hand-foot skin reaction, oral mucositis, hypertension, and weight loss. These symptoms are mostly related to the effects of drugs on blood vessels and epithelial tissues.

Fatigue and gastrointestinal reactions are more common among people taking medication for a long time. Some patients will feel reduced energy, get tired easily, and have a weakened desire to eat. This kind of situation can usually be alleviated by adjusting the diet and ensuring adequate rest. Skin-related reactions are also one of the more characteristic adverse reactions of cabozantinib, especially dryness, peeling or pain in the hands and feet. Timely use of moisturizers and avoidance of friction can help reduce discomfort.

Of particular concern are changes in blood pressure and liver function. Data suggest that cabozantinib may cause an increase in blood pressure, so it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment. For patients with underlying hypertension, it is even more necessary to carry out standardized management under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, some patients may experience fluctuations in liver function indicators. Although it is reversible in most cases, it is still recommended to review relevant indicators regularly to ensure the safety of medication.

Reference materials:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616037.html