A new therapy for early-stage breast cancer has shown significant potential in improving patient survival rates. The drug, known as Abemaciclib and marketed under the brand name Verzenio, has been confirmed through a phase 3 clinical trial conducted by Lilly Oncology. This trial focused on patients with early-stage, node-positive breast cancer, a condition where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
The seven-year follow-up results indicate that Verzenio can significantly reduce the risk of cancer relapse. Although the findings are not yet peer-reviewed, Lilly Oncology plans to present the data at an upcoming medical conference and submit it for formal review. “These data validate Verzenio as the standard of care for patients with node-positive, high-risk disease and increase the urgency to ensure all eligible patients are treated,” stated Jacob Van Naarden, president of Lilly Oncology.
Since receiving approval from the FDA in 2017, Verzenio has established itself as an effective treatment for advanced breast cancer. In 2022 alone, the drug generated sales of $5.3 billion. Initially approved for advanced or metastatic cases of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 70 to 80 percent of all breast cancer cases, the drug’s indications were expanded in 2023 to include early-stage treatment.
The clinical trial involved 5,637 adults diagnosed with early-stage, HER2-negative, HR+ breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is generally more treatable compared to the aggressive triple-negative variant, which lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Participants had cancer that had already spread to their lymph nodes, increasing their risk of recurrence.
The combination of Verzenio with hormone therapy aims to prevent the proliferation of breast cancer cells. While endocrine therapy reduces the impact of cancer receptors, Verzenio specifically inhibits enzymes responsible for cell division. The trial results demonstrated that patients receiving both treatments had significantly improved overall survival compared to those on hormone therapy alone.
“Preventing disease relapse and helping patients live longer is the ultimate goal and a high bar in the adjuvant setting,” noted Van Naarden. “Achieving a statistically significant overall survival benefit with just two years of Verzenio therapy reinforces its differentiated profile in high-risk HR+, HER2- early breast cancer.” This outcome suggests the FDA’s decision to grant priority review for the medication was well-founded.
As the medical community awaits the formal publication of these results, the findings could reshape treatment protocols for early-stage breast cancer, offering new hope to patients facing this challenging diagnosis. With continued advancements in therapies like Verzenio, the future looks increasingly optimistic for those affected by breast cancer.
