A new treatment for early-stage breast cancer, Abemaciclib, sold under the brand name Verzenio, has shown promising results in extending survival rates for patients. According to Lilly Oncology, the company behind the drug, a recent phase 3 clinical trial has confirmed that Verzenio can significantly lower the risk of relapse in certain types of early breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. The findings come from a comprehensive seven-year follow-up study, although the results have yet to be peer-reviewed.
Jacob Van Naarden, president of Lilly Oncology, expressed optimism about the results, stating, “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.” The company plans to present detailed findings at an upcoming medical conference and submit them for formal peer review.
Verzenio, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, has emerged as an effective treatment for advanced breast cancer, generating $5.3 billion in sales last year alone. Initially, the drug was sanctioned for cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer that are hormone receptor-positive (HR+), which comprise approximately 70% to 80% of all breast cancer cases. In 2023, the FDA expanded Verzenio’s application to include early-stage breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence, a move that now appears justified based on recent trial outcomes.
The clinical trial involved 5,637 adults diagnosed with early-stage, HER2-negative, HR+ breast cancer, the most prevalent form of the disease. In contrast, triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 receptors, is known for its aggressive nature. The patients in this trial faced a higher risk of recurrence as their cancer had already spread to the lymph nodes.
Verzenio operates by inhibiting enzymes responsible for cell division while working in conjunction with hormone therapy, which blocks or reduces the effects of specific cancer receptors. The combination therapy has demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival after just two years, compared to hormone therapy alone.
“Preventing disease relapse and helping patients live longer is the ultimate goal and a high bar in the adjuvant setting,” said 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.”
The FDA’s decision to grant Verzenio a priority review underscores the potential impact of this treatment on patient care. As more data becomes available, the medical community eagerly anticipates further insights into how Verzenio can reshape the standards of care for early-stage breast cancer patients.
