The tyrosine-kinase inhibitor cabozatinib does not increase overall survival compared with prednisone. However, significant increases in progression-free survival duration have been observed with this approach. Now, investigations involving PTEN/P53-deficient mouse models reveal remarkable responses to cabozantinib that are mediated by robust neutrophil-mediated infiltration of the tumour. These results indicate a novel mechanism of action of cabozantinib.