Fulvestrant: an option for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer that has spread

This study aimed to compare fulvestrant (Faslodex) to other standard endocrine agents in patients with advanced hormone sensitive breast cancer.

This study concluded that fulvestrant was as effective as the available standard endocrine agents. 

Advanced hormone sensitive breast cancer (BC) is cancer that has spread beyond the breast. It is dependent on hormones such as estrogen or progesterone for growth.

Endocrine therapies can treat this type of cancer. They work by lowering the levels of or blocking the production of the hormones that cause the cancer. Fulvestrant is one type of endocrine therapy that blocks the hormone estrogen. It works to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and increase survival time.

It was unknown if fulvestrant was as safe and effective as other endocrine therapies for advanced hormone sensitive breast cancer. 

Data from 9 studies involving 4514 women with advanced hormone-sensitive BC who were treated with fulvestrant was combined. These studies investigated progression free survival (time from treatment until disease progression), clinical benefit rate (the amount of people the treatment worked for) and overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause).

Progression free survival (PFS) was similar for patients treated with fulvestrant when compared to patients treated with other endocrine therapies (control group). No difference in PFS was seen when fulvestrant was used in combination with another therapy, or when it was used as a first or second treatment option.

No difference in clinical benefit rate or overall survival was found between fulvestrant treated patients and the control group.

There was no difference in side effects between patients treated with fulvestrant and the control group.

This study concluded that fulvestrant was as effective and safe as other standard endocrine therapies. 

Consult your physician about fulvestrant as a treatment option.