What's Happening?
Exelixis, Inc. has announced promising results from a subgroup analysis of the CABINET phase 3 pivotal trial, which evaluated CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) against placebo in patients with advanced neuroendocrine
tumors (NET) originating in the lungs or thymus. The trial demonstrated that CABOMETYX reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 81% compared to placebo. The study included patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic NET (pNET) or extra-pancreatic NET (epNET), with a focus on those with lung or thymic NET. The findings, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2025, highlight CABOMETYX's efficacy in improving progression-free survival and objective response rates among this patient group.
Why It's Important?
The results from the CABINET trial are significant as they offer a new targeted treatment option for patients with advanced lung and thymic NET, which are challenging to treat due to limited existing therapies. The approval of CABOMETYX in the U.S. and European Union earlier this year provides hope for patients with these aggressive forms of cancer. The trial's findings reinforce the potential of CABOMETYX to address unmet needs in the NET patient community, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for those affected by these tumors.
What's Next?
Following the positive results of the CABINET trial, Exelixis plans to continue serving the NET patient community through ongoing trials, such as the STELLAR-311 pivotal trial examining zanzalintinib as a potential first-line therapy. The company is committed to further research and development to expand treatment options for NET patients. Regulatory approvals in additional regions may follow, broadening access to CABOMETYX for patients worldwide.
Beyond the Headlines
The CABINET trial's success underscores the importance of molecular targeted therapies in oncology, particularly for rare and aggressive cancers like NET. The trial's findings may encourage further research into similar treatments, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer care. Additionally, the trial highlights the role of collaborative research efforts between pharmaceutical companies and institutions like the National Cancer Institute in advancing cancer treatment.
