In early stages, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is treatable and has a high five-year survival rate. However, if the cancer progresses or metastasizes (spreads), the five-year survival rate falls to around 12%. New therapeutic options are urgently needed to improve survival rates and outcomes for individuals with metastatic RCC. According to a news release in Benzinga, one such therapeutic option has shown significant promise in the Phase 3 CheckMate -9ER study. Within the study, researchers evaluated Cabometyx (cabozantinib) in conjunction with nivolumab for individuals living with advanced RCC. In February 2023, Exelixis presented findings from this study at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. The study found, in 3-year follow-up results, that Cabometyx and nivolumab conferred benefits to patients with metastatic RCC when compared to sunitinib, another treatment option.

Altogether, 651 participants enrolled in the CheckMater -9ER study. Participants received either sunitinib or the Cabometyx-nivolumab combination treatment. Researchers were exploring progression-free survival, overall survival rates, and objective responses. Findings from the study include:

• Overall survival rates improved on the Cabometyx combination. Those receiving Cabometyx-nivolumab saw median overall survival rates of 14 months longer than those receiving sunitinib. This corresponds to a 30% reduction in mortality risk.
• Median progression-free survival rates were 16.6 months for those on the Cabometyx combination, as compared to 8.4 months for those receiving sunitinib.
• People taking Cabometyx-nivolumab had 50% higher overall response and complete response rates than those on sunitinib. The Cabometyx combination treatment also showed more durable and sustained responses.
• Cabometyx and nivolumab were found to be relatively safe and well-tolerated.

Cabometyx is a small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor that inhibits VEGFRs, TYRO3, MER, AXL, MET, and RET. These RTKs have all been implicated in tumor growth and treatment resistance.Outside of RCC, Cabometyx is also approved, in different global areas, for individuals with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers are also exploring Cabometyx-nivolumab for RCC in the CaboCombo and COSMIC-021 studies. Learn more about Cabometyx.

An Overview of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Although it is rare, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer in adults. RCC typically begins as one tumor in one kidney, though it may be present in both kidneys at once. This cancer can easily metastasize and may spread to the lungs or other organs. Risk factors for RCC include being male, being between 50-70 years old, smoking cigarettes, or having a history of kidney problems. PRC, TFE 3, and VHL gene changes also may predispose people to RCC development. In early stages, many people with RCC are asymptomatic (meaning they have no symptoms). When symptoms do appear, these may include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine) which may present as rusty or cola-colored urine
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Enlarged testicle or varicose testis vein
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure

Treatment options for RCC include chemotherapy, ablation, hormone treatments, Nexavar, Proleukin, Afinitor, surgical interventions, or other medications.