Cabozantinib Plus Nivolumab in Patients with Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Updated Results from a Phase 2 Trial

Eur Urol. 2024 Aug;86(2):90-94. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2024.04.025. Epub 2024 May 22.

Abstract

Treatment options are limited for patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC). Patients with nccRCC experienced a favorable objective response rate (ORR) in a phase 2 trial of cabozantinib plus nivolumab. We now report updated efficacy and safety results at median follow-up of 34 mo for patients with papillary, unclassified, or translocation-associated RCC. Cabozantinib and nivolumab were administered at standard doses to patients with metastatic nccRCC that had progressed on zero or one line of systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was the ORR according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Forty patients were treated. At median follow-up of 34 mo for survivors, the ORR was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.5-63.9%). Median PFS was 13 mo (95% CI 7-16); the 12-mo and 24-mo PFS rates were 51% (95% CI 34-65%) and 23% (95% CI 11-37%), respectively. Median OS was 28 mo (95% CI 23-43); the 18-mo and 36-mo OS rates were 70% (95% CI 53-82%) and 44% (95% CI 28-60%), respectively. No new safety signals were seen with cabozantinib and nivolumab. This extended follow-up analysis demonstrates promising efficacy, and highlights the potential for sustained responses with cabozantinib plus nivolumab in patients with metastatic nccRCC.

Keywords: Cabozantinib; Immunotherapy; Kidney cancer; Nivolumab; Non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma; Tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anilides* / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / secondary
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / mortality
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nivolumab* / adverse effects
  • Nivolumab* / therapeutic use
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Pyridines* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • cabozantinib
  • Anilides
  • Nivolumab
  • Pyridines