Information for the public

Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) is available on the NHS as a possible treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in adults who have already tried a medicine called sorafenib.

This is only if they have Child–Pugh grade A liver impairment and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1.

The Child–Pugh classification system assesses how well your liver is working if you have liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer). Grade A means the liver has some damage, but is working normally.

The ECOG performance status scale describes how well you are in terms of how much you can do. A score of 0 means you’re fully active and able to do all the things you did before you were diagnosed. A score of 1 means you cannot do strenuous activity but you can walk and do light work.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Questions to think about

  • How well does it work compared with other treatments?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
  • What happens if the treatment does not work?
  • What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

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