EPISODE 54 - NEN Treatments: Focus on Cabozantinib

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Since its FDA approval on March 26, 2025, cabozantinib has emerged as the newest treatment option for NET patients—adding another valuable tool to the treatment toolbox. It’s become a hot topic in support groups and forums, with many patients wondering what to expect. In this episode, Fox Chase Cancer Center medical oncologist Dr. Namrata (“Neena”) Vijayvergia answers the most frequently asked questions about cabozantinib. She explains how it works, how it differs from other therapies, what patients should know about dosing and side effects, and shares insights on a new clinical trial exploring the next generation of cabozantinib.

TOP TEN QUESTIONS

1. What is cabozantinib? Is it considered chemotherapy? 

2. How does cabozantinib work? What do we mean by “targeted therapies”?

3. Who is cabozantinib typically recommended for? When in someone’s NET journey do you consider starting it?

4. Why might a patient take cabozantinib instead of other treatment options? Is this a “last resort” treatment option?  Does it limit future choices or “burn any bridges”?

5. What are the most common side effects? Will I look like a cancer patient? Will my hair fall out? How might I feel while taking it—can most people keep working and doing their usual activities? Do common side effects tend to develop or get worse over time, or pretty much stay the same?

6. What should patients watch out for or monitor while taking this medication?

7. What should patients know about dosing? Is there a preferred starting dose or an “optimal” dose? If I tolerate a lower dose, should I go to a higher dose? 

8. What happens if cabozantinib doesn’t work for me? What other treatments might be available?

9. I’ve heard about a drug called “Zanza,” the STELLAR-311 trial. What is it, and how does it fit into the current treatment landscape?

10. What practical tips or “tricks of the trade” do you share with patients who may start this medication?

    
    

    Bonus: What’s on the horizon in NET research or treatment that you’re most excited about?

MEET DR. NAMRATA (NEENA) VIJAYVERGIA

Namrata (Neena) Vijayvergia, MD, FACP

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA

Namrata (Neena) Vijayvergia, MD, FACP, is a GI medical oncologist, clinical trialist, and physician leader known for bringing science, collaboration, and heart to the care of patients with gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine cancers. She is Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and an Associate Professor, where she leads a broad research program—from early-phase therapeutics to biomarker-driven strategies and patient-centered outcomes—supported by NIH, NCCN, industry partners, and foundations. Neena is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings, including ASCO, NANETS, ESMO, and SNMMI, and was recently honored with the 2025 Distinguished Clinical Award from NANETS. She helps set national standards through service on ASCO, NCCN, ENETS, NCI, and NANETS committees and guideline panels, chairs the NANETS Scientific Review Committee, and leads cooperative group efforts within ECOG-ACRIN. 

A dedicated mentor and advocate, she supports trainees and junior faculty through formal mentoring programs, advises patient advocacy organizations, and engages in community-focused efforts to make cancer care more inclusive and equitable. Recognized in the ASCO Leadership Development Program and as a “40 Under 40 in Cancer,” she brings a strategic yet people-first approach to clinical trial development—always driven by the belief that teamwork, curiosity, and compassion can move the field forward for patients and the teams who care for them.

RESOURCES

Learn More About Cabozantinib and The Cabinet Trial

WATCH

LISTEN

Episode 50: Spotlight on Pharmacists

READ

Read March 26, 2025 blogpost: Positive Results of the CABINET Trial Show Cabozantinib as a New, Effective Treatment in Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors

"Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors"

Review article by Vijayvergia et al

CLINICAL TRIAL

STELLAR-311: Zanzalintinib Versus Everolimus in Participants With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancers 

DISCLAIMER

The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation Podcasts are created for educational purposes only and do not substitute for medical advice. The views shared in this Podcast are the personal opinions of the experts and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment.

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