Is Cabometyx a chemotherapy drug?

Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is a targeted treatment that targets specific enzymes that are more commonly associated with cancer growth and works differently from traditional chemotherapy agents that kill all cells (both healthy and cancerous) that are in the process of dividing. However, Cabometyx is used to treat cancer, and some people may refer to it as chemotherapy, although a targeted chemotherapy treatment is the more correct term.

Cabometyx is used to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) who have previously been treated with Nexavar (sorafenib), certain types of differentiated thyroid cancer, and pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. It is an oral tablet that is taken once daily and is available in three different strengths:

• 20 mg round tablet
• 40 mg triangular tablet
• 60 mg oval tablet.

Cabometyx belongs to the drug class called multikinase inhibitors which help stop out-of-control cancer cell growth.