OncuraKidney Cancer (RCC)Taken continuously — no infusion cycle9 effects documented
Combines immunotherapy with a daily targeted pill. Common effects are diarrhea, hand-foot skin changes, higher blood pressure, and tiredness (mostly from cabozantinib), plus possible immune-related organ inflammation (from nivolumab). Liver-enzyme rises are common and watched closely. Report new symptoms early — the cause guides treatment.
Get help straight away — this is true on any regimen, on any day.
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment can mean a serious infection while your blood counts are low. Call your team or go to the ER — do not wait it out.
Also urgent: trouble breathing or chest pain · swelling of the face, lips or throat · new confusion or fainting · shaking chills · not being able to keep fluids down.
This is standing guidance shown to everyone. Nothing on this page is based on anything about you, and nobody is monitoring you.
This regimen is taken continuously, so effects are described in the terms their sources use rather than by cycle day.
early (first weeks) for TKI; immune colitis any time
Very common — usually from cabozantinib, but new or worsening diarrhea can also signal immune bowel inflammation (colitis) from nivolumab. Report it early: cabozantinib diarrhea is managed with anti-diarrheal medicine/dose changes, while immune colitis needs steroids.
Call your team urgently: Diarrhea with blood/mucus, fever, or many extra stools a day — call urgently.
any time; can be early
Rises in liver blood tests are common with this combination and can come from either drug — the targeted pill or immune inflammation of the liver. Usually found on bloodwork before symptoms. Your team checks liver tests regularly and often holds both drugs if levels rise; steroids are used if it's immune.
Call your team urgently: Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or severe belly pain.
Very common tiredness, usually from cabozantinib but sometimes a clue to a hormone-gland (thyroid/adrenal) immune effect. If it's marked or new, your team may check thyroid and adrenal function.
first 2-6 weeks; persists while dosing
Tender, red, or peeling skin on the palms and soles (from cabozantinib), often in the first weeks. Moisturize, cushion pressure points, avoid friction/heat; report early — dose changes help.
Call your team: Blistering, cracking, or peeling that makes walking or using your hands hard.
often within the first weeks; ongoing
Cabozantinib commonly raises blood pressure, often within the first weeks. Your team checks it regularly (about every 2 weeks early on) and treats it with medicine.
Call your team: Severe headache, vision changes, or chest pain.
Soreness or ulcers in the mouth, often in the first weeks. Gentle oral care, a bland diet, and dose adjustment help.
Call your team: Can't eat or drink because of mouth pain.
weeks-months
The thyroid often becomes underactive (tiredness, cold, weight gain) — both drugs can contribute. It's easily treated with a daily thyroid pill and rarely needs stopping treatment. Your team checks thyroid bloodwork.
any time on/after treatment, weeks-months
From the immunotherapy, the immune system can inflame the lungs (cough/breathlessness), hormone glands (severe tiredness, low blood pressure), skin, or kidneys — at any time, even after stopping. Report new breathing changes, marked tiredness/dizziness, rash, or reduced urination promptly; early treatment (often steroids) works well.
Call your team urgently: Severe breathlessness, fainting, or feeling very unwell — contact your team urgently.
any time on treatment
Cabozantinib can raise the risk of bleeding and of blood clots (including in the lungs). Report coughing/vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden breathlessness, leg swelling, or chest pain. Tell your team well ahead of any planned surgery — the drug is paused around procedures.
Call your team urgently: Vomiting/coughing blood, black stools, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain — emergency.