Cabozantinib effective against prostate cancer at lower doses

Cabozantinib is as effective across four key metrics at doses of 40mg a day as it is at doses of 100mg, according to a new study.

Interim data from trials of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) being treated with cabozantinib highlight the efficacy of the drug.

According to pharma giant Exelixis, those with CRPC and bone metastases receiving a 40mg daily dose of the drug in an ongoing non-randomised expansion cohort of phase two trials enjoy similar clinical results as those who previously received 100mg doses for several key parameters.

These include reduction of metastatic bone and soft tissue disease, as well as reduction of bonepain, with improved tolerability and fewer adverse reactions also witnessed as a result of the lower sdosages.

Dr Michael Morrissey, president and chief executive of the pharma company, explained that the results, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology annual meeting in Austria, are consistent with interim data from a separate ongoing trial.

"The data suggest that the 40mg daily does has activity with respect to a number of key metrics, including bone and soft tissue responses, as well as changes in pain scores and narcotic use," he said. "Additionally, the 40mg dose appears to be well tolerated in patients with metastatic CRPC."