Cabozantinib’s mechanism of action

Cabotinib inhibits multiple cell surface receptor kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3). VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is the main signaling molecule that promotes angiogenesis. It promotes new blood vessel formation by binding to VEGFR on endothelial cells. Tumor cells require a large blood supply to support their growth and metastasis, so inhibiting angiogenesis can slow tumor growth. Cabozantinib inhibits multiple receptor kinases, including hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR or c-Met) and tumor-derived growth factor receptor (RET). These receptor kinases play key roles in tumor cell proliferation and growth. Inhibiting these receptor kinases can interfere with tumor cell growth signaling pathways and prevent cell proliferation and growth.