In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of the drug combination, palbociclib (Ibrance) plus fulvestrant (Faslodex) on the quality of life of breast cancer patients. The study concluded that palbociclib plus fulvestrant allowed patients to maintain a good quality of life while experiencing delayed disease progression.
Some background
Palbociclib is a drug used to treat hormone receptor positive (HR+) and HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer that has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). It is used with the drug fulvestrant in women whose disease has gotten worse after treatment with hormone therapy. Palbociclib plus fulvestrant has been shown to significantly increase the time following treatment before the disease progresses. While delaying disease progression is very important, it is also important to maintain a patient’s quality of life.
Methods & findings
The current study examined the effect of the combination of palbociclib plus fulvestrant on quality of life.This trial included 521 patients with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The patients were randomized to either of two groups. The first group received palbociclib plus fulvestrant and the second group received a placebo (substance with no effect on the body) plus fulvestrant. The study used a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of the patients. Quality of life was measured on a scale of 0 -100.
Overall quality of life scores were significantly higher in the palbociclib plus fulvestrant group compared to the placebo plus fulvestrant group. The palbociclib plus fulvestrant group showed a significant improvement in pain, whereas the placebo group reported a worsening of pain. There were no significant differences in symptoms (such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss) between the two groups.
The bottom line
The current study concluded that palbociclib plus fulvestrant allowed patients to maintain a good quality of life while experiencing delayed disease progression.
The fine print
Pfizer funded this study. They are the manufacturers of palbociclib.
Published By :
Annals of oncology
Date :
Mar 30, 2016
