Treating BRCA1/2 mutated breast cancer that has spread with lurbinectedin

This study wanted to find out how well lurbinectedin (PM01183) works in treatment of breast cancer with BRCA1/2 mutations (abnormal genes), which has spread. The study found that lurbinectedin worked well in treating patients with BRCA1/2 mutated breast cancer which had spread.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that stop tumors from being produced in the body. In some women, these genes are abnormal and do not work, therefore these women are more likely to develop breast cancer. Lurbinectedin is a new medication which is being trialled in patients with breast cancer. It is not known how well lurbinectedin works in patients with the BRCA1/2 mutations.

This study consisted of 89 patients. All of these patients had been diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread through the body. All of the patients were treated with lurbinectedin. Of these patients, 54 had mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. The remaining 35 did not have mutations in those genes.

Overall, 41% of patients who had the mutations responded to treatment with lurbinectedin. In the group who did not have mutations, 9% responded to treatment. On average, the patients with the mutations survived for 20.0 months after treatment. The patients who did not have mutations survived for 12.5 months. The patients who had mutations in the BRCA2 gene responded very well to treatment with lurbinectedin. In the sub-group of those with BRCA1 or 2 mutations, those with BRCA2 mutations survived for an average of 26.6 months.  

The study concluded that treating BRCA1/2 mutated breast cancer that has spread with lurbinectedin is effective.

This is a small study. Many more studies will be conducted to see how well this works in a larger group.

Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.