Impact of cabozantinib on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum cortisol concentrations in individuals with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis - Summary - MDSpire

Impact of cabozantinib on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum cortisol concentrations in individuals with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

  • By

  • Yuji Hataya

  • Mayuka Kurata

  • Kimiaki Murabe

  • Takuro Hakata

  • Kanta Fujimoto

  • Toshio Iwakura

  • Toshinari Yamasaki

  • Naoki Matsuoka

  • November 4, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the effects of cabozantinib (CABO) on adrenocortical function by assessing plasma ACTH and serum cortisol levels in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), highlighting the clinical significance of these evaluations.

Key Findings:
  • Patients exhibited elevated plasma ACTH levels during CABO treatment, indicating potential adrenal dysfunction.
  • A case of PAI was identified in a patient undergoing CABO and nivolumab therapy, underscoring the need for vigilance.
  • Cortisol response to ACTH stimulation was reduced in patients diagnosed with PAI, suggesting impaired adrenal function.
Interpretation:

The findings suggest that CABO may induce alterations in adrenocortical function, leading to elevated ACTH levels and potential adrenal insufficiency in some patients, emphasizing the importance of monitoring during treatment.

Limitations:
  • Small sample size due to exclusion criteria, which may limit generalizability.
  • Retrospective design limits causal inferences and may introduce biases.
Conclusion:

CABO may contribute to altered adrenocortical function and PAI in mRCC patients, warranting further investigation and monitoring of adrenal function during TKI therapy, particularly in larger, prospective studies.

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