Exelixis Announces Final Results from Phase 3 Pivotal CABINET Study Evaluating Cabozantinib in Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors Presented at ESMO 2024 and Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Exelixis (EXEL) announced final results from the phase 3 CABINET study evaluating cabozantinib in advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The study showed significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in both pancreatic NET (pNET) and extra-pancreatic NET (epNET) cohorts:
- pNET cohort: median PFS of 13.8 months for cabozantinib vs 4.4 months for placebo (HR 0.23, p<0.0001)
- epNET cohort: median PFS of 8.4 months vs 3.9 months (HR 0.38, p<0.0001)
The data supported Exelixis' supplemental New Drug Application to the FDA for cabozantinib in advanced NET, with a target action date of April 3, 2025. The safety profile was consistent with known data, and no new signals were identified.
Exelixis (EXEL) ha annunciato i risultati finali dello studio di fase 3 CABINET che valuta cabozantinib nei tumori neuroendocrini avanzati (NET). Lo studio ha mostrato un significativo miglioramento nella sopravvivenza libera da progressione (PFS) rispetto al placebo sia nei cohorti di NET pancreatico (pNET) che nei NET extra-pancreatici (epNET):
- Coorte pNET: PFS media di 13.8 mesi per cabozantinib rispetto a 4.4 mesi per placebo (HR 0.23, p<0.0001)
- Coorte epNET: PFS media di 8.4 mesi rispetto a 3.9 mesi (HR 0.38, p<0.0001)
I dati hanno supportato la domanda di esclusiva di Nuovo Farmaco Supplementare di Exelixis presso la FDA per cabozantinib nei NET avanzati, con una data di azione target del 3 aprile 2025. Il profilo di sicurezza è stato coerente con i dati noti e non sono stati identificati nuovi segnali.
Exelixis (EXEL) anunció los resultados finales del estudio de fase 3 CABINET que evalúa cabozantinib en tumores neuroendocrinos avanzados (NET). El estudio mostró una mejora significativa en la supervivencia libre de progresión (PFS) en comparación con placebo en ambas cohortes, NET pancreático (pNET) y NET extra-pancreático (epNET):
- Cohorte pNET: PFS media de 13.8 meses para cabozantinib frente a 4.4 meses para placebo (HR 0.23, p<0.0001)
- Cohorte epNET: PFS media de 8.4 meses frente a 3.9 meses (HR 0.38, p<0.0001)
Los datos respaldaron la Solicitud de Nuevo Medicamento Suplementario de Exelixis ante la FDA para cabozantinib en NET avanzados, con una fecha de acción prevista del 3 de abril de 2025. El perfil de seguridad fue consistente con los datos conocidos, y no se identificaron nuevas señales.
엑셀릭스 (EXEL)는 카보잔티닙을 진행성 신경내분비 종양(NET)에 평가하는 3상 CABINET 연구의 최종 결과를 발표했습니다. 이 연구는 췌장 NET(pNET) 및 비췌장 NET(epNET) 집단에서 플라시보에 비해 무진행 생존 기간(PFS)의 유의한 개선을 보여주었습니다:
- pNET 집단: 카보잔티닙의 중위 PFS는 13.8개월, 플라시보는 4.4개월 (HR 0.23, p<0.0001)
- epNET 집단: 중위 PFS는 8.4개월 대 3.9개월 (HR 0.38, p<0.0001)
이 데이터는 카보잔티닙에 대한 액셀릭스의 FDA에 대한 보충 신약 신청을 지원하며, 목표 실행 날짜는 2025년 4월 3일입니다. 안전성 프로필은 알려진 데이터와 일치했으며 새로운 신호는 확인되지 않았습니다.
Exelixis (EXEL) a annoncé les résultats finaux de l'étude de phase 3 CABINET évaluant cabozantinib dans les tumeurs neuroendocrines avancées (NET). L'étude a montré une amélioration significative de la survie sans progression (PFS) par rapport au placebo dans les cohortes de NET pancréatique (pNET) et de NET extra-pancréatique (epNET) :
- Cohorte pNET : PFS médiane de 13,8 mois pour cabozantinib contre 4,4 mois pour placebo (HR 0,23, p<0,0001)
- Cohorte epNET : PFS médiane de 8,4 mois contre 3,9 mois (HR 0,38, p<0,0001)
Les données ont soutenu la demande de demande de nouveau médicament supplémentaire d'Exelixis auprès de la FDA pour le cabozantinib dans les NET avancés, avec une date d'action cible du 3 avril 2025. Le profil de sécurité était cohérent avec les données connues, et aucun nouveau signal n'a été identifié.
Exelixis (EXEL) hat die finalen Ergebnisse der Phase-3-Studie CABINET veröffentlicht, die Cabozantinib bei fortgeschrittenen neuroendokrinen Tumoren (NET) bewertet. Die Studie zeigte eine signifikante Verbesserung des progressionsfreien Überlebens (PFS) im Vergleich zur Placebo-Gruppe in beiden Kohorten, der pankreatischen NET (pNET) und der extrapankreatischen NET (epNET):
- pNET-Kohorte: medianes PFS von 13,8 Monaten für Cabozantinib im Vergleich zu 4,4 Monaten für Placebo (HR 0,23, p<0,0001)
- epNET-Kohorte: medianes PFS von 8,4 Monaten gegenüber 3,9 Monaten (HR 0,38, p<0,0001)
Die Daten unterstützen den Antrag von Exelixis auf eine supplemental New Drug Application bei der FDA für Cabozantinib bei fortgeschrittenen NET, mit einem anvisierten Aktionsdatum vom 3. April 2025. Das Sicherheitsprofil war konsistent mit bekannten Daten, und es wurden keine neuen Signale identifiziert.
- Significant improvement in progression-free survival for both pNET and epNET cohorts
- Objective response rate of 19% for cabozantinib vs 0% for placebo in pNET cohort
- Objective response rate of 5% for cabozantinib vs 0% for placebo in epNET cohort
- FDA accepted sNDA for cabozantinib in advanced NET with target action date of April 3, 2025
- Potential to become a new standard of care for previously treated advanced NET patients
- Majority of patients required dose modifications or reductions to manage adverse events
- No significant improvement in overall survival observed in interim analysis
Insights
The CABINET phase 3 study results are highly impactful for Exelixis and the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) treatment landscape. Cabozantinib demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo in both pancreatic NET (pNET) and extra-pancreatic NET (epNET) cohorts. The hazard ratios of 0.23 for pNET and 0.38 for epNET indicate substantial risk reduction for disease progression. This could potentially position cabozantinib as a new standard of care for advanced NET patients.
The study's strength lies in its real-world applicability, enrolling a diverse patient population. The consistent benefit across subgroups suggests broad efficacy. However, the modest objective response rates (19% in pNET, 5% in epNET) and similar interim overall survival results warrant further investigation into long-term outcomes. The safety profile aligns with known data, but the high rate of dose modifications highlights the need for careful management.
As an oncologist, I find these results promising for NET patients with treatment options. The PFS improvement is clinically meaningful, potentially offering patients extended time before disease progression. The 13.8-month median PFS for pNET and 8.4-month for epNET with cabozantinib represent significant advancements over placebo.
However, it's important to note the lack of significant overall survival benefit at this interim analysis. While PFS is important, ultimate impact on survival remains a key question. The crossover design may complicate interpretation of survival data. Additionally, the need for dose modifications in most patients suggests a challenging side effect profile, which could affect quality of life. Balancing efficacy with toxicity will be critical in clinical practice if cabozantinib gains approval for NET.
These results are positive for Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL), potentially expanding cabozantinib's market to include NET patients. The FDA's acceptance of the sNDA with a target action date of April 3, 2025, sets a clear timeline for potential approval. If approved, this could drive additional revenue growth for Exelixis's flagship product.
Investors should note the strong efficacy data, which could support rapid adoption if approved. However, the lack of clear overall survival benefit and safety concerns requiring dose modifications may impact market penetration and pricing power. The NET market, while relatively niche, represents an unmet medical need, which could translate to premium pricing. The publication in the New England Journal of Medicine adds credibility and could influence prescriber behavior. Overall, this news is likely to be viewed favorably by the market, potentially boosting Exelixis's stock in the near term.
– Cabozantinib continues to demonstrate a significant improvement in progression-free survival versus placebo in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors, including across key subgroups –
– Findings were the basis for the supplemental New Drug Application filed with the
“The phase 3 CABINET study, which was conducted through the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network, reflects real-world clinical practice in that it enrolled a wide and heterogeneous range of patients regardless of primary tumor site, grade, somatostatin receptor expression and functional status,” said Jennifer Chan, M.D., M.P.H., study chair for the CABINET trial, Clinical Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center and Director of the Program in Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “I’m encouraged by these final results showing that cabozantinib provided a clinically meaningful treatment benefit for patients with previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors, including across all major clinical subgroups. The findings suggest that cabozantinib has the potential to become a new standard of care for these patients greatly in need of new treatment options.”
The final results from the CABINET study presented today at ESMO and published in NEJM demonstrate continued improvement with cabozantinib in the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review (BICR) through the data cutoff of August 24, 2023. In the pNET cohort (n=95), at a median follow-up of 13.8 months, the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.23 (
Additional analyses suggest benefits with cabozantinib across all clinical subgroups examined, including primary tumor site, grade and prior systemic anticancer therapy. In the pNET cohort, the objective response rate (ORR) by BICR was
“Patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors face a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. These updated data reinforce the potential of cabozantinib as a new treatment to significantly delay disease progression,” said Amy Peterson, M.D., Executive Vice President, Product Development & Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer, Exelixis. “We believe the CABINET data indicate that cabozantinib could be practice-changing in NET, and we are working closely with the FDA to bring this differentiated option to patients with advanced NET as quickly as possible.”
The safety profile of cabozantinib observed in each cohort was consistent with its known safety profile; no new safety signals were identified. A majority of patients treated with cabozantinib required dose modifications or reductions to manage adverse events.
These results were the basis for Exelixis’ supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for cabozantinib for the treatment of adults with advanced NET. The FDA accepted the sNDA in August and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of April 3, 2025.
In August of 2023, CABINET was stopped and unblinded early due to a dramatic improvement in PFS observed at an interim analysis in both of the trial’s cohorts, per a unanimous recommendation of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board; all patients were unblinded, and those on placebo were given the option to cross over to active treatment with cabozantinib. Cabozantinib demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS versus placebo based on results of both local review and available BICR. Initial results by investigator were presented at ESMO 2023.
About CABINET (Alliance A021602)
CABINET (Randomized, Double-Blinded Phase III Study of CABozantinib versus Placebo In Patients with Advanced NEuroendocrine Tumors After Progression on Prior Therapy) is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and is being led and conducted by the NCI-funded Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology with participation from the NCI-funded National Clinical Trials Network as part of Exelixis’ collaboration through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the NCI’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program.
CABINET is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 pivotal trial that had enrolled a total of 298 patients in the
About NET
NET are cancers that begin in the specialized cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system.1 These cells have traits of both hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells.1 In the
NET can develop in any part of the body, but most commonly start in the GI tract or in the lungs, where they have historically been referred to as carcinoid tumors and are more recently called epNET.1 The five-year survival rates for advanced GI and lung NET tumors are
About CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
In the
CABOMETYX is not indicated as a treatment for NET.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hemorrhage: Severe and fatal hemorrhages occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was
Perforations and Fistulas: Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in
Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX increased the risk of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in
Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension was reported in
Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): PPE occurred in
Hepatotoxicity: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to CABOMETYX alone.
Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes than when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt CABOMETYX and nivolumab and consider administering corticosteroids.
With the combination of CABOMETYX and nivolumab, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in
Adrenal Insufficiency: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab and resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose depending on severity.
Adrenal insufficiency occurred in
Approximately
Proteinuria: Proteinuria was observed in
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ occurred in <
Impaired Wound Healing: Wound complications occurred with CABOMETYX. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic findings on MRI, can occur with CABOMETYX. Evaluate for RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.
Thyroid Dysfunction: Thyroid dysfunction, primarily hypothyroidism, has been observed with CABOMETYX. Based on the safety population, thyroid dysfunction occurred in
Patients should be assessed for signs of thyroid dysfunction prior to the initiation of CABOMETYX and monitored for signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction during CABOMETYX treatment. Thyroid function testing and management of dysfunction should be performed as clinically indicated.
Hypocalcemia: CABOMETYX can cause hypocalcemia. Based on the safety population, hypocalcemia occurred in
In COSMIC-311, hypocalcemia occurred in
Monitor blood calcium levels and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue CABOMETYX depending on severity.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CABOMETYX and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common (≥
CABOMETYX as a single agent: diarrhea, fatigue, PPE, decreased appetite, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, weight decreased, and constipation.
CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab: diarrhea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, PPE, stomatitis, rash, hypertension, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, dysgeusia, abdominal pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. John’s wort.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid CABOMETYX in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information
https://www.cabometyx.com/downloads/CABOMETYXUSPI.pdf.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
About Exelixis
Exelixis is a globally ambitious oncology company innovating next-generation medicines and regimens at the forefront of cancer care. Powered by drug discovery and development excellence, we are rapidly evolving our product portfolio to target an expanding range of tumor types and indications with our clinically differentiated pipeline of small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates and other biotherapeutics. This comprehensive approach harnesses decades of robust investment in our science and partnerships to advance our investigational programs and extend the impact of our flagship commercial product, CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib). Exelixis is driven by a bold scientific pursuit to create transformational treatments that give more patients hope for the future. For information about the company and its mission to help cancer patients recover stronger and live longer, visit www.exelixis.com, follow @ExelixisInc on X (Twitter), like Exelixis, Inc. on Facebook and follow Exelixis on LinkedIn.
Exelixis Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to: the presentation of final results from the CABINET trial at ESMO 2024; the therapeutic potential of cabozantinib to become a new standard of care for patients with previously treated NET who are greatly in need of new treatment options, and Exelixis’ belief that cabozantinib could be practice-changing and significantly delay disease progression; Exelixis’ plans to work closely with the FDA to bring cabozantinib as a treatment option to patients with advanced NET as quickly as possible, as well as the FDA’s regulatory review process with respect to Exelixis’ sNDA submission, including the Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date assigned by the FDA; and Exelixis’ scientific pursuit to create transformational treatments that give more patients hope for the future. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and are based upon Exelixis’ current plans, assumptions, beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the availability of data at the referenced times; complexities and the unpredictability of the regulatory review and approval processes in the
Exelixis, the Exelixis logo and CABOMETYX are registered
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1 Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22006-neuroendocrine-tumors-net. Accessed September 2024.
2 Population Estimate: Unresectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Extra-Pancreatic NET. June 2024 (internal data on file).
3 Pathak, S., Starr, J.S., Halfdanarson T., et al. Understanding the increasing incidence of neuroendocrine tumors. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. September 2023;18(5):377-385.
4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. NCI website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pnet-treatment-pdq. Accessed September 2024.
5 What Is a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor? ACS website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumor/about/what-is-pnet.html. Accessed September 2024.
6 McClellan, K., Chen. E.Y, Kardosh A., et al. Therapy Resistant Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancers. 2022, 14(19), 4769.
7 What is a Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor? ACS website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gastrointestinal-carcinoid-tumor/about/what-is-gastrointestinal-carcinoid.html. Accessed September 2024.
8 Survival Rates for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors. ACS website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gastrointestinal-carcinoid-tumor/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed September 2024.
9 Survival Rates for Lung Carcinoid Tumors. ACS website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-carcinoid-tumor/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed September 2024.
10 Survival Rates for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor. ACS website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumor/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed September 2024.
11 Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET). NCI website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-endocrine-tumor/carcinoid-tumor. Accessed September 2024.
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Investors Contact:
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Investor Relations
Exelixis, Inc.
(650) 837-8194
shubbard@exelixis.com
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Source: Exelixis, Inc.
FAQ
What were the main results of the CABINET study for Exelixis' cabozantinib (EXEL)?
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