Palbociclib Improves Survival in Women with Breast Cancer
Palbociclib (Brand Ibrance) is a targeted therapy (CDK 4/6 inhibitor) manufactured by Pfizer which is used for the treatment of HER2-negative and HR-positive breast cancer. Ibrance is marketed by Pfizer in India under the Brand name of PALBACE.
Palbociclib mechanism of action / How does Ibrance works?
As we know that cancer cells grow in an unrestrained manner. Palbociclib / ibrance medication main function is to put the brakes on the growth of cells in both cancer and healthy body cells. This is done by interfering with kinase (it is a protein in body which helps in controlling the division of cells) and thereby stopping the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Palbociclib Cost information
Some common Palbociclib Side Effects
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Weakness in the body
• Hair loss
• Tingling or numbness in legs or arms may occur
• Mouth sores
Some serious Ibrance side effects
• Signs of anaemia
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Neutropenia (low white blood count)
• Any kind of infection
• Blood clots in lungs or arteries
* Contact your doctor / hospital immediately if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Clinical Trial proving Palbociclib efficacy
During the PALOMA3 trial, 520 women with HER2 negative, ER positive breast cancer were enrolled in this trial. All the women were then randomised into 2 groups, Group 1 would receive Palbociclib + fulvestrant and group 2 would receive placebo + fulvestrant. 347 women were assigned to group 1 and remaining 174 were assigned to group 2.
At the time of analysis, it was reported that the median progression free survival for women in group 1 was 9.2 months as compared to 3.8 months in group 2. Also it was observed that women in group 1, has shown improvement in progression free survival among perimenopausal, premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The rate of clinical benefit (i.e. the response of prolonged disease) was 19% in group 2 as compared to 34% in group 1.
During the trial, some serious adverse events also occurred - 9.6% in group 1 and 14% in group 2. And because of these adverse events, the treatment was discontinued among 1.7% of patients in group 2 and 2.6% of patients in group 1. At the time of analysis, the data for overall survival was still inadequate.
At the end, it was concluded that women in group 1 maintained their quality of life, but quality of life declined among women in group 2.
Ibrance Dosage Forms and Strength
This medication currently is available in 3 strengths –
1. Ibrance 75 mg Capsules
2. Ibrance 100 mg Capsules
3. Ibrance 125 mg Capsules
Ibrance Cost information
The recommended starting dose for Palbociclib is 125 mg.
Ibrance and letrozole are also taken alongside each other. Ibrance should be taken first 21 consecutive days only, and letrozole medication is to be taken alongside ibrance daily. After 21 days, only letrozole is to be taken for the next 7 days.
This medication is taken in a 28-day cycle - when this medication is taken in combination with an aromatase inhibitor.
For the first 21 days, both ibrance and aromatase inhibitor are taken at the same time each day. And then in remaining 7 days, only aromatase inhibitor is taken.
Continue this 28-day cycle as long as the patient is receiving benefits from this medication and is not having any severe side effects from it.
When this medication is taken along with Faslodex, then also a 28-day cycle period is followed. Palbociclib (Brand Ibrance / Palbace) is taken only for first 21 day in 28-day cycle at the same time each day. And the patient is injected with Faslodex every 2 weeks for the first 3 injections and then the 4th injection is taken after every 4 weeks.
The information provided on the page is meant for the purpose of being helpful and educational. It should not be considered as medical advice.
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