Heavily advertised as a treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women, Ibrance is prescribed in combination with either Femara or Faslodex. Ibrance belongs to the category of drugs known as CDK 4/6 inhibitors that function by preventing cancer cells from progressing through the cell cycle, manufacturing DNA and then dividing.
While the drug does not cure cancer, it may prolong progression free survival - in other words, keep the cancer from causing more damage. In the process it may delay the time when other more aggressive therapies may be necessary. It appears to offer moderate advantages compared to either Femara or Faslodex alone by increasing progression free survival by about a year.
Dr. Otis Brawley of the American Cancer Society among others points out that an increase in progression survival does not necessarily equate with prolonged overall survival. At present there are no studies indicating Ibrance enhances survival.
Ibrance with its partners Femara and Faslodex target postmenopausal women whose tumors are positive for hormone receptors. Unfortunately the measurement and reporting of hormone status remain to be standardized.
Ibrance is taken for 21 consecutive days each month followed by a 7 day rest. Toxicity is significant - hence the 7 day rest period for the blood cells to return to normal. Infection, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and sores in the mouth commonly occur.
The cash price for one year of Ibrance exceeds $125,000 or more than $325 a day.
Негізгі бет Ibrance
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