Cometriq

• Cometriq (cabozantinib) is an oral multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
• Its primary indication is for the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.
• The Cometriq mechanism of action involves inhibiting several key tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.
• Common adverse effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome.
• Serious Cometriq side effects and warnings necessitate close patient monitoring due to risks like hemorrhage, gastrointestinal perforations, and hypertension.

What is Cometriq: Drug Information and Mechanism of Action

Cometriq is the brand name for cabozantinib, an oral small-molecule inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). As a crucial piece of Cometriq drug information, it is classified as a kinase inhibitor, specifically designed to interfere with the signaling pathways that promote cancer growth and spread. It is available in capsule form for oral administration.

The Cometriq mechanism of action involves inhibiting the activity of several RTKs that are implicated in oncogenesis, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. These include MET, VEGFR2, RET, AXL, and FLT3. By blocking these specific kinases, Cometriq can disrupt the processes that allow cancer cells to grow, divide, and form new blood vessels to supply the tumor, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. This multi-targeted approach makes it effective against cancers that rely on these diverse signaling pathways.

What is Cometriq Used For?

Cometriq is specifically indicated for the treatment of patients with progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). MTC is a rare form of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. For patients whose disease has spread and continues to worsen, Cometriq offers a targeted therapeutic option. Its approval for this indication is based on clinical trials demonstrating its ability to improve progression-free survival in affected individuals.

Cometriq Side Effects and Warnings

Like all potent medications, Cometriq carries a risk of various adverse effects. Patients undergoing treatment with Cometriq should be closely monitored for these reactions. Understanding Cometriq side effects and warnings is essential for managing patient care and ensuring safety.

Common side effects often include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (hand-foot syndrome)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dysphonia (hoarseness)
• Abdominal pain

More serious warnings associated with Cometriq include a risk of hemorrhage, gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas, arterial and venous thromboembolic events, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Patients should also be monitored for proteinuria, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, and impaired wound healing. Due to the potential for severe adverse reactions, treatment with Cometriq requires careful assessment of the patient’s overall health and ongoing clinical supervision.