Welcome to Medivizor!

You're browsing our sample library. Feel free to continue browsing. You can also sign up for free to receive medical information specific to your situation.

Posted by on Oct 30, 2017 in Breast cancer | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This study aimed to compare abemaciclib (Verzenio) to a placebo treatment (substance with no active effect). The study concluded that it increased progression-free survival and was relatively safe to use as a first-line treatment. 

Some background

There are several treatment options for hormone positive, HER-2 negative advanced breast cancer (dependent on hormones such as estrogen for growth). Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors (such as letrozole) are commonly used. These act by decreasing the hormone estrogen. However, new treatments are also being developed.

Abemaciclib is a treatment that inhibits the proteins CDK4 and CDK6. They are important in regulating the cell cycle and cell growth. Blocking these proteins has shown to slow the growth of hormone positive breast cancer. 

Methods & findings

This study aimed to compare abemaciclib to a placebo treatment. 326 patients received abemaciclib while 162 received placebo. All patients were also treated with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 

Progression-free survival (time from treatment until disease progression) was significantly increased for those taking in the abemaciclib. In patients with measurable disease, the response rate was 59% for abemaciclib treament and 44% for the placebo treatment. Side effects of abemaciclib included diarrhea (81.3%). Other side-effects like neutropenia (low white cell count) were more common in abemaciclib patients (21.1%) than placebo (1.2%). 

The bottom line

This study concluded that abemaciclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor improved progression-free survival and response rate for women with hormone positive, HER-2 negative advanced breast cancer. 

The fine print

These results are interim results and there will be updates on this information as time passes. 

What’s next?

Discuss this paper with your doctor, if applicable. 

Published By :

Journal of clinical oncology

Date :

Oct 02, 2017

Original Title :

MONARCH 3: Abemaciclib As Initial Therapy for Advanced Breast Cancer.

click here to get personalized updates