Real-world Experience of Cabozantinib as Second- or Subsequent Line Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data From the Polish Managed Access Program

Efficacy and Safety of Immuno-Oncology Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors as Late-Line Combination Therapy for Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background/Objectives: Immuno-oncology plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO+TKI) combination therapy is an essential first-line therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, reports of its efficacy and safety as late-line therapy are lacking. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of IO+TKI combination therapy as a late-line therapy for patients with RCC. Methods: We retrospectively examined 17 patients with RCC who received IO+TKI combination therapy as a second-line therapy or beyond (pembrolizumab plus axitinib, n = 10; avelumab plus axitinib, n = 5; nivolumab plus cabozantinib, n = 2). Results: The overall response and disease control rates of IO+TKI combination therapy were 29.4% and 64.7%, respectively. The median overall survival was not attained. Progression-free survival was 552 days, and 94.1% of patients (n = 16) experienced adverse effects (AEs) of any grade; moreover, 41.2% of patients (n = 7) experienced grade ≥ 3 immuno-related AEs. Conclusions: IO+TKI combination therapy may be a late-line therapy option for RCC.

Comparative efficacy and safety of cabozantinib for malignant tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of cabozantinib versus placebo in malignant tumors, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This involved analyzing a collection of published randomized controlled trials to assess the outcomes.

METHODS

We used RevMan5.3 software to evaluate the outcomes of the collected studies. The primary outcome we focused on was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and disease control rate (DCR).

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that compared to placebo, cabozantinib significantly extended the PFS of patients [hazard ratios (HR) 0.37, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.32, 0.43, p < 0.00001]. Additionally, cabozantinib improved the OS of patients [HR 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.91, p = 0.002]. While it is important to note that cabozantinib was associated with a higher likelihood of causing digestive, cutaneous, and cardiovascular related adverse events [relative risk (RR) 4.40, 95% CI: 3.10, 6.25, p < 0.00001].

CONCLUSION

Based on our analysis, cabozantinib significantly prolonged the PFS and OS of patients with malignant tumors (p < 0.01). We recommend the use of cabozantinib in treating advanced malignant tumors. However, it is important to continuously monitor and manage the drug-related adverse events.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (No. CRD42023449261).

Comparison of Cabozantinib and Axitinib as Second-line Therapy After Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Patients With Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis of Retrospective Real-world Data

BACKGROUND

To date, no studies have compared the treatment outcomes of second-line therapies in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of cabozantinib and axitinib as second-line treatments in patients with metastatic ccRCC who previously received immune-oncology combination therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic ccRCC treated with cabozantinib and axitinib as second-line therapy after nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment were identified among 243 patients with RCC treated between August 1, 2018 and January 31, 2022 at 34 institutions belonging to the Japanese Urological Oncology Group. Patients were assessed for treatment outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, objective response rate (ORR), and incidence rate of treatment-related adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients treated with cabozantinib and 60 treated with axitinib as second-line therapy after nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment for metastatic ccRCC were identified. The median PFS (95% confidence interval) was 11.0 months (9.0-16.0) with cabozantinib and 9.5 months (6.0-13.0) with axitinib. The ORRs were 37.5% (cabozantinib) and 38.3% (axitinib). The rates of any-grade AEs and grade ≥3 AEs were 79.2% (cabozantinib) versus 63.3% (axitinib; P = .091) and 35.4% (cabozantinib) versus 23.3% (axitinib; P = .202), respectively. In the poor-risk group, PFS was longer in the cabozantinib group than in the axitinib group (P = .033).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety of cabozantinib and axitinib were comparable. In the poor-risk group, cabozantinib was more effective than axitinib. These findings provide valuable insights into the selection of second-line treatment options after nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment in patients with metastatic ccRCC.

Adverse Events of Cabozantinib as a Potential Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients: Real-World Experience in a Single-Center Retrospective Study

Cabozantinib, an oral inhibitor targeting MET, AXL, and VEGF receptors, has become a key component of a sequential treatment strategy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The purpose of this work is to show that effective management of adverse events (AEs) during cabozantinib treatment and achieving a balance between AEs and treatment efficacy is crucial to achieving therapeutic goals. In this retrospective study, involving seventy-one metastatic RCC (mRCC) patients receiving second or subsequent lines of cabozantinib at the Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, we explored the impact of AEs on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). AEs were observed in 92% of patients. Hypothyroidism during treatment was significantly associated with prolonged OS and PFS (HR: 0.31; p < 0.001 and HR: 0.34; p < 0.001, respectively). The occurrence of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) was also linked to improved OS (HR: 0.46; p = 0.021). Patients experiencing multiple AEs demonstrated superior OS and PFS compared to those with one or no AEs (HR: 0.36; p < 0.001 and HR: 0.30; p < 0.001, respectively). Hypothyroidism and HFS serve as valuable predictive factors during cabozantinib treatment in ccRCC patients, indicating a more favorable prognosis.

Cabozantinib in the Routine Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review of Real-World Evidence

Real-world cabozantinib use has increased since its approval to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 2016. We reviewed cabozantinib use in real-world clinical practice and compared outcomes with pivotal cabozantinib randomized control trials (RCTs). This PRISMA-standard systematic literature review evaluated real-world effectiveness and tolerability of cabozantinib in patients with RCC (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021245854). Systematic MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane database searches were conducted on November 2, 2022. Eligible publications included ≥ 20 patients with RCC receiving cabozantinib. After double-screening for eligibility, standardized data were abstracted, qualitatively summarized, and assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of 353 screened publications, 41 were included, representing approximately 11,000 real-world patients. Most publications reported cabozantinib monotherapy cohort studies (40/41) of retrospective (39/41) and multicenter (32/41) design; most included patients from North America and/or Europe (30/41). Baseline characteristics were demographically similar between real-world and pivotal RCT populations, but real-world populations showed greater variation in prevalence of prior nephrectomy, multiple-site/brain metastasis, and nonclear-cell RCC histology. Cabozantinib activity was reported across real-world treatment lines and tumor types. Overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate values from pivotal RCTs were within the ranges reported for equivalent outcomes across real-world studies. Common real-world grade ≥ 3 adverse events were consistent with those in pivotal RCTs (fatigue, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, hypertension), but less frequent. No new tolerability concerns were identified. Real-world RCC survival outcomes for cabozantinib monotherapy were broadly consistent with pivotal RCTs, despite greater heterogeneity in real-world populations.

Real-world efficacy and safety of cabozantinib following immune checkpoint inhibitor failure in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Real-world data of cabozantinib after failure of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japanese population are limited. Additionally, prognostic factors of cabozantinib in this setting are still unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data of 56 patients treated with cabozantinib subsequent to failed immune checkpoint inhibitors at four institutions. Regarding the efficacy profile, progression-free survival, overall survival and objective response rate were assessed. In terms of the safety profile, rate of adverse events, dose reduction and treatment interruption were assessed. Furthermore, risk factors of progression-free survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (52%) were treated with cabozantinib as second-line therapy. Most frequent prior immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment was nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy as first-line therapy (n = 30, 54%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.76 and 25.5 months, respectively, and objective response rate was 34%. All patients experienced at least one adverse event, and grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 31 patients (55%). Forty-four (79%) and 31 (55%) patients needed dose reduction and treatment interruption, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that reduced initial dose (i.e. <60 mg) (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0355) and presence of lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0172) were independent factors of shorter progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Cabozantinib in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who failed immune checkpoint inhibitors was efficacious and had a manageable safety profile. These results appear to be similar to those of previous clinical trials.

Multimodal Treatments for Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results of a Multicentric Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a large series of brain metastatic renal cell carcinoma (BMRCC) patients treated in three Italian centers.

METHODS

A total of 120 BMRCC patients with a total of 176 lesions treated were evaluated. Patients received surgery plus postoperative HSRS, single-fraction SRS, or hypofractionated SRS (HSRS). Local control (LC), brain distant failure (BDF), overall survival (OS), toxicities, and prognostic factors were assessed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 77 months (range 16-235 months). Surgery plus HSRS was performed in 23 (19.2%) cases, along with SRS in 82 (68.3%) and HSRS in 15 (12.5%). Seventy-seven (64.2%) patients received systemic therapy. The main total dose and fractionation used were 20-24 Gy in single fraction or 32-30 Gy in 4-5 daily fractions. Median LC time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year LC rates were nr, 100%, 95.7% ± 1.8%, 93.4% ± 2.4%, and 93.4% ± 2.4%. Median BDF time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year BDF rates were n.r., 11.9% ± 3.1%, 25.1% ± 4.5%, 38.7% ± 5.5%, and 44.4% ± 6.3%, respectively. Median OS time and 6 month and 1, 2 and 3 year OS rates were 16 months (95% CI: 12-22), 80% ± 3.6%, 58.3% ± 4.5%, 30.9% ± 4.3%, and 16.9% ± 3.6, respectively. No severe neurological toxicities occurred. Patients with a favorable/intermediate IMDC score, a higher RCC-GPA score, an early occurrence of BMs from primary diagnosis, absence of EC metastases, and a combined local treatment (surgery plus adjuvant HSRS) had a better outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS/HSRS is proven to be an effective local treatment for BMRCC. A careful evaluation of prognostic factors is a valid step to manage the optimal therapeutic strategy for BMRCC patients.

Cabozantinib for the treatment of solid tumors: a systematic review

Background:

Cabozantinib is approved, in various settings, for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, medullary thyroid cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has been investigated for the treatment of other cancers. With the available evidence and the real-world performance of cabozantinib compared with clinical trial data, we performed a systematic review of cabozantinib monotherapy as treatment for solid tumors in adults.

Methods:

This study was designed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020144680). We searched for clinical and observational studies of cabozantinib monotherapy for solid tumors using Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases (October 2020), and screened relevant congress abstracts. Eligible studies reported clinical or safety outcomes, or biomarker data. Small studies (n < 25) and studies of cabozantinib combination therapies were excluded. Quality was assessed using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methodology, and study characteristics were described qualitatively.

Results:

Of 2888 citations, 114 were included (52 randomized studies, 29 observational studies, 32 nonrandomized phase I or II studies or pilot trials, and 1 analysis of data from a randomized study and a nonrandomized study). Beyond approved indications, other tumors studied were castration-resistant prostate cancer, urothelial carcinoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, uveal melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, colorectal cancer, salivary gland cancer, carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. The most common adverse events were hypertension, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Conclusion:

The identified evidence demonstrates the positive efficacy/effectiveness of cabozantinib monotherapy in various solid tumor types, with safety findings being consistent with those observed with other VEGFR-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors. When available, real-world findings were consistent with the data reported from clinical trials. A limitation of this review is the high proportion of abstracts; however, this allowed us to capture the most up-to-date findings.

Exposure-response analyses of cabozantinib in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer

Aim

In the registration trial, cabozantinib exposure ≥ 750 ng/mL correlated to improved tumor size reduction, response rate and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Because patients in routine care often differ from patients in clinical trials, we explored the cabozantinib exposure–response relationship in patients with mRCC treated in routine care.

Methods

Cabozantinib trough concentrations (C_min) were collected and average exposure was calculated per individual. Exposure–response analyses were performed using the earlier identified target of C_min > 750 ng/mL and median C_min. In addition, the effect of dose reductions on response was explored. PFS was used as measure of response.

Results

In total, 59 patients were included:10% were classified as favourable, 61% as intermediate and 29% as poor IMDC risk group, respectively. Median number of prior treatment lines was 2 (0–5). Starting dose was 60 mg in 46%, 40 mg in 42% and 20 mg in 12% of patients. Dose reductions were needed in 58% of patients. Median C_min was 572 ng/mL (IQR: 496–701). Only 17% of patients had an average C_min ≥ 750 ng/mL. Median PFS was 52 weeks (95% CI: 40–64). No improved PFS was observed for patients with C_min ≥ 750 ng/mL or ≥ 572 ng/ml. A longer PFS was observed for patients with a dose reduction vs. those without (65 vs. 31 weeks, p = .001). After incorporating known covariates (IMDC risk group and prior treatment lines (< 2 vs. ≥ 2)) in the multivariable analysis, the need for dose reduction remained significantly associated with improved PFS (HR 0.32, 95% CI:0.14–0.70, p = .004).

Conclusion

In these explorative analyses, no clear relationship between increased cabozantinib exposure and improved PFS was observed. Average cabozantinib exposure was below the previously proposed target in 83% of patients. Future studies should focus on validating the cabozantinib exposure required for long term efficacy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09338-1.

Early Clinical Experience with Cabozantinib for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in the UK: Real-World Treatment Pathways and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cabozantinib monotherapy is approved in the UK for patients with treatment-naïve intermediate- or poor-risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC), or patients who received prior vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy. Data are limited on the real-world use of cabozantinib for aRCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CERES (NCT03696407) was a retrospective study of patients with aRCC who received cabozantinib through the UK managed access programme (MAP; August 2016-July 2017), at which time cabozantinib had European regulatory approval for second- or later-line use only. The study objectives were to characterize aRCC treatment patterns and evaluate cabozantinib effectiveness. Outcomes were stratified by cabozantinib treatment line, MAP treatment date (months 0-7 vs. 8-12) and (post hoc) Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; ≥ 6 vs. < 6).

RESULTS

Of 100 patients included, 99% had stage IV disease, 63% had a CCI ≥ 6 and 81% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0-1. Median (range) duration of follow-up was 10.8 (0.4-33.5) months. Cabozantinib was administered as second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line in 41%, 31% and 28% of patients, respectively. Most patients (84%) initiated cabozantinib at 60 mg. Average (range) cabozantinib dose was 45.5 (19.6-59.8) mg/day; 66% of patients had ≥ 1 dose reduction. Disease progression was the most common reason for discontinuation (65.1%). Median (95% confidence interval) progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.01 (5.16-7.85) and 10.84 (7.92-16.85) months, respectively. Overall response rate was 34.5%; disease control rate 70.1% and duration of response 6.9 (1.8-26.9) months. No significant differences in survival estimates were observed between treatment line or treatment date subgroups. Total CCI score ≤ 6 (vs. > 6) was associated with prolonged median PFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Cabozantinib demonstrated clinical activity in this UK real-world aRCC population. The results provide a benchmark for future real-world studies in aRCC.

Median time to progression with TKI-based therapy after failure of immuno-oncology therapy in metastatic kidney cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-based therapy after previous immuno-oncology therapy (IO) failure has been addressed before. However, summary efficacy estimates have never been generated in these reports. We addressed this void.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We systematically examined TKI efficacy after IO-failure and generated weighted median progression-free survival (PFS) estimates for Pazopanib, Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Sunitinib. A systematic review according to PRISMA was conducted. PubMed and abstracts were queried. Only studies proving median PFS were included. Weighted medians were computed for each TKI alternative.

RESULTS

Of 245 articles, nine eligible studies were included in the current study with 952 analysed patients. Weighted PFS medians after any previous IO-based therapy were respectively 13.7 (range from 4.6 to 24.4), 8.1 (range from 4.7 to 13.2), 8.5 (range from 4.7 to 15.2) and 6.9 months (range from 2.9 to 11.6) for Pazopanib, Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Sunitinib. Specific second-line weighted PFS median was 14.8 months (range from 5.6 to 24.4), 10.1 months (range from 6.4 to 13.2), 8.7 months (range from 4.7 to 15.2) and 6.0 months (range from 2.9 to 8.0) for Pazopanib, Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Sunitinib, respectively, after first-line IO.

CONCLUSION

Pazopanib results in the longest weighted median PFS, after previous IO-failure, regardless of treatment line, as well as in specific second-line, post-first-line IO failure settings. Pending novel studies, Pazopanib appears to represent the most promising treatment option after prior IO.

The Effect of Concomitant Proton Pump Inhibitor and Cabozantinib on the Outcomes of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Cabozantinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Cabozantinib is a weak base that exhibits a pH-dependent solubility profile in vitro which raises concerns about its bioavailability in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PPI use has an impact on the efficacy, safety, and residual concentration (Ctrough) of cabozantinib in patients with mRCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of a prospectively collected electronic database of patients with mRCC who received cabozantinib at Gustave Roussy between February 2014 and December 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and the Cox proportional-hazard model for uni- and multivariate analysis. In parallel, we conducted a pharmacokinetic study of cabozantinib in a distinct cohort of 50 mRCC patients, in which cabozantinib Ctrough was assayed using a validated tandem mass spectrometry-liquid chromatography method.

RESULTS

We identified 99 patients treated with cabozantinib, including 43 patients being PPI users. With a median follow-up of 30.3 months, PPI users showed similar progression-free survival and overall survival outcomes compared with PPI nonusers. Similarly, the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the PPI users and nonusers, although PPI users required dose reductions more often. In the independent pharmacokinetic cohort, of whom 21 received PPI concomitantly, Ctrough was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In line with the pharmacologic data, the concomitant use of PPI does not significantly impact the efficacy or safety of cabozantinib in patients with mRCC.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Drug interactions, especially between targeted therapies and proton pump inhibitors (PPI), were shown to potentially impact the outcomes of cancer patients. Cabozantinib, a current therapeutic standard in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), exhibits a pH-dependent solubility profile, which raises concerns about its bioavailability in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). At the present time, there is no evidence regarding the effect of PPIs on cabozantinib's efficacy and safety in patients with mRCC. This study found that the concomitant use of PPI during cabozantinib treatment in mRCC patients does not appear to impact the residual concentration, efficacy, and safety of cabozantinib in a real-life context.

Cabozantinib real-world effectiveness in the first-through fourth-line settings for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium

Background

Cabozantinib is approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) based on the METEOR and CABOSUN trials. However, real‐world effectiveness and dosing patterns of cabozantinib are not well characterized.

Methods

Patients with mRCC treated with cabozantinib between 2011 and 2019 were identified and stratified using the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups. First‐ (1L), second‐ (2L), third‐ (3L), and fourth‐line (4L) overall response rate (ORR), time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Dose reduction rates and their association with TTF and OS were determined.

Results

A total of 413 patients were identified. The ORRs across 1L to 4L were 32%, 26%, 25%, and 29%, respectively, and the median TTF rates were 8.3, 7.3, 7.0, and 8.0 months, respectively. The median OS (mOS) rates in 1L to 4L were 30.7, 17.8, 12.6, and 14.9 months, respectively. For patients treated with 1L PD(L)1 combination agent (n = 31), 2L cabozantinib had ORR of 22%, median TTF of 5.4 months, and mOS of 17.4 months. About 50% (129/258) of patients required dose reductions. The TTF and mOS were significantly longer for patients who required dose reduction vs. patients who did not, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI 0.202–0.672, p < 0.01) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.215–0.980, p = 0.04), respectively. Limitations include the retrospective study design and the lack of central radiology review.

Conclusion

The ORR and TTF of cabozantinib were maintained from the 1L to 4L settings. Dose reductions due to toxicity were associated with improved TTF and OS. Cabozantinib has clinical activity after 1L Immuno‐oncology combination agents.

Response to cabozantinib in renal cell carcinoma with cardiac metastases

In metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, cardiac metastases are a rare and often a post-mortem finding. Clinical manifestations of cardiac metastases have a late onset and include pericardial effusions, heart failure and embolic phenomena. Treatment of cardiac metastasis is not yet standardized, and few data are available about the efficacy of TKI on treatment of cardiac metastases in mRCC patients. In this report, we describe the case of a 66-year-old male who presented with mRCC with lung and cardiac metastases treated with cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor that was administered in second line after disease progression with sunitinib. To date, there are no data about the safety and efficacy of cabozantinib in mRCC with cardiac metastasis. In a real word analysis, cabozantinib demonstrated to be associated to a modest risk of developing left ventricular heart failure. It is unknown if this risk is higher in mRCC population with cardiac metastases. We report the first evidence of efficacy and safety of cabozantinib in cardiac mRCC patients, probably due to its specific inhibition of several molecular intracellular pathways. Additional molecular and clinical studies are needed before well tolerated and efficacy of cabozantinib treatment for these patients can be fully understood.

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with cabozantinib in the Czech Republic: analysis of four cancer centers

AIM

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze treatment outcomes and tolerance in patients in whom cabozantinib was used after previous targeted therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cabozantinib was administered in dose 60 mg/day, a subset of patients received initial dose of 40 mg/day. The treatment was administered until to progression or unacceptable toxicity. CT scans were assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 and toxicity of treatment was assessed based on the CTCAE (version 4). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a multivariate analysis of risk factors for treatment outcomes (PFS, OS) by Cox regression analysis. All statistics were evaluated at the significance level alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

54 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) were evaluated. Median PFS in all patients treated with cabozantinib was 9.3 months (95% CI 5.3 - 13.3). One-year survival was 85.2% (95% CI 72.9 - 93.4%). Treatment response was observed in 45.9% of cases, including one complete remission. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that presence of subsequent treatment was the only factor with a significant effect on OS (P=0.008). Adverse events occurred in 88.9% of patients, grade 3 - 4 in 46.3%.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of our cohort of patients treated with cabozantinib in the second or higher lines of treatment showed that cabozantinib represents an effective and safe therapy and contributes to longer survival of our mRCC patients.

Pediatric and young adult renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare in children but is the most common renal tumor in adults. Pediatric RCC has different clinical characteristics, histopathology, and treatment compared with adult disease. Databases were reviewed from inception to February 2020, identifying 32 publications pertaining to 350 patients under 27 years. Surgery is the cornerstone for cure in localized RCC. Lymph node dissection remains controversial. Conventional radiotherapy has no curative role in RCC; similarly, conventional chemotherapy has not proven to be effective in large cohorts. Pediatric metastatic RCC has a poor outlook. There are no published prospective studies demonstrating which adjuvant therapy could improve outcome. Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is recommended in this group despite limited evidence. This review provides an overview for pediatric RCC, including the evolving role of precision medicine.