Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of palbociclib in geriatric patients

This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of palbociclib (Ibrance) in geriatric patients. They found that this treatment was well-tolerated and effective in these patients.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers. There are many subtypes of BC. The most common form is hormone receptor positive (HR+). For many years the standard treatment was endocrine therapy followed by chemotherapy. New drugs have been developed that are effective and less toxic. Palbociclib (PBB) is one of these. 

PBB blocks an enzyme called CDK4/6. Blocking this enzyme slows cancer cell growth. 40% of new BC cases are in patients over 70. This age group is classified as geriatric. However, clinical trials do not usually include geriatric patients. As a result, it is unclear if PBB is safe and effective in treating BC in this group of patients.

This study included 605 patients with advanced HR+ BC. 92 patients were over 70 (geriatric group). Patients were treated with PBB and either letrozole or fulvestrant. These are also BC drugs. The authors analyzed PBB effectiveness by measuring progression-free survival (PFS; survival without the cancer growing or spreading). Side effects were also measured. These outcomes were compared with those of younger patients.

Side effects were similar in geriatric and younger patients. Fever caused by low white blood cells was the most common side effect. There were similar rates of infections and hospitalizations between both groups. The geriatric group had more dose reductions and dose delays. PFS was significantly better in geriatric patients compared to the younger ones.

The authors concluded that PBB was well-tolerated and effective in geriatric patients.

This study was based on medical records. Patient medical history varied and this could have impacted the results. The safety and effectiveness of PBB may be different in geriatric patients in other settings.