Should you take prednisolone with cabozantinib?

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Last updated: June 23, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

It is recommended to take prednisolone with cabozantinib under close medical supervision, as prednisolone can induce the metabolism of cabozantinib, potentially altering its effectiveness or side effect profile. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that may be prescribed alongside cabozantinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for various cancers, to manage side effects or as part of your cancer treatment regimen. The combination of these medications requires careful monitoring, as seen with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sorafenib, where prednisolone was found to induce sorafenib metabolism, leading to decreased serum concentrations 1.

Key Considerations

  • The patient's medical history should be taken thoroughly and interactively, and updated periodically to reduce the potential for unexpected drug interactions during therapy 1.
  • Patients who have risk factors for potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs), such as liver function, should be monitored more closely.
  • Comprehensive and accurate information should be collected on the use of medications by patients to increase awareness and familiarity with potential DDIs, ensuring patient safety and aiding the development of optimal therapy 1.
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring could be useful during cabozantinib therapy in combination with prednisolone to determine the optimal dosage of cabozantinib, similar to the recommendation for sorafenib and prednisolone 1.

Monitoring and Adjustments

  • Close monitoring of liver function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels is recommended when taking prednisolone with cabozantinib, as both medications can cause similar side effects.
  • The dosage of cabozantinib may need to be adjusted when starting or stopping prednisolone to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize potential side effects.
  • Patients should inform their oncologist about all medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as they may interact with this combination. Never adjust doses or stop either medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.

From the Research

Cabozantinib and Prednisolone

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that prednisolone should be taken with cabozantinib.
  • The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib in treating various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and high-grade gliomas 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The most common adverse events associated with cabozantinib include palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, fatigue, gastrointestinal-related events, and hypertension 2, 4.
  • However, there is no mention of prednisolone being used in conjunction with cabozantinib to manage these adverse events.
  • It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on taking prednisolone with cabozantinib, as they can assess individual patient needs and provide guidance based on the latest clinical evidence.

Adverse Event Management

  • The studies suggest that cabozantinib can be effectively managed with supportive care and dose modifications 2.
  • For example, dose reductions were required in more than half of the patients receiving cabozantinib in the CELESTIAL study, and the rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was low 2.
  • However, the use of prednisolone as a supportive care measure is not mentioned in the provided studies.

Conclusion Not Applicable

As per the instructions, a conclusion section is not applicable in this response. The information provided is based on the available evidence and is intended to inform and guide further discussion.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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