Palbociclib: Pfizer Breast Cancer Drug Approved

Though I’m sure that you already know this, I thought that I would share the BIG NEWS in the FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) world: the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to Palbociclib (Ibrance) for use in combination with the drug letrozole (Femara) for the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer as initial endocrine-based therapy for their metastatic disease.

Basically, Palbociclib works by blocking molecules linked to cancer cell growth.  The FDA granted approval for this drug because of the outstanding performance it had on a 165-patient study. It slowed to effectively slow the  progression of breast cancer!! (a/k/a MAJOR SILVER LINING!)

What does this mean for you? If you are a woman with hormone-positive, HER2-negative, metastatic breast cancer, you may now have a new treatment option that could delay the growth and spread of cancer.

If you are one of these women, please ask your doctor about the new drug at your next appointment.

Keep in mind that just like every other drug, this one also has side effects. These include:

• Low white blood cell count, which can make infection more likely
• Low red blood cell count, which can lead to fatigue
• Low blood platelet count, which can cause abnormal bleeding
• Nausea, irritation of the mouth and lips, hair loss, diarrhea, low appetite, vomiting, weakness, nerve damage, and nosebleeds

Various sources such as The Wall Street Journal have considered the drug to be one of the most promising medicines in Pfizer’s development. Because of this, the pharmaceutical industry has projected the sales of this newly approved cancer drug to have annual sales of $4 billion by 2020!!

Whether you have just been diagnosed, are in treatment, recovery, or are a caregiver to someone who is battling the disease, I hope this news brings you hope and joy today. I know that this Silver Lining will have me smiling for awhile!