Final results show that the combination of nivolumab and cabozantinib remains highly effective for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in real-world settings.
The study reported strong outcomes, with a 74% overall survival rate at 18 months. Patients had a median progression-free survival of 14 months, and the overall response rate reached 62.1%, with disease control in 91.8% of cases. These results were seen in a broader population than earlier trials, including older and more frail patients, with a median age of 67. Most had intermediate-risk disease, and more than half had lung metastases.
Side effects were common and required careful management. The most frequent included diarrhea, fatigue, and hand-foot syndrome. About 42% of patients stopped at least one of the drugs بسبب side effects, and more than 60% experienced serious (grade 3 or 4) adverse events. However, no new safety concerns were identified.
Researchers conclude that this combination continues to be a frontline standard of care, providing durable benefits even in patients with higher risk or frailty.