AVAILABLE MEDICINE FOR Palbociclib
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Ibrance Palbociclib 125mg Tablets
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Palboxen 125mg Capsules
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Palnat Palbociclib 100mg
$140 $150 |
$140 $150 |
Ask for Price |
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Palnat Palbociclib 125mg Capsule
$170 $180 |
$170 $180 |
Palbociclib is an oral medication used in the treatment of a specific type of breast cancer known as hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer. It belongs to a group of drugs called "CDK4/6 inhibitors" and is often prescribed for adults with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Palbociclib is commonly taken with other hormone therapies to make the treatment more effective.
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer cells rely on hormones like estrogen to grow. Palbociclib is designed to work particularly well for this kind of cancer, especially when the HER2 protein is absent (HER2-negative). By targeting and interfering with the cancer cell growth process, Palbociclib helps slow down or stop the spread of these cancer cells, offering hope for patients managing their condition.
How Palbociclib Works?
Palbociclib functions by inhibiting certain proteins found in cancer cells, specifically cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6, which are essential for cell division and growth. In cases of hormone receptor-positive (HR), HER2-negative breast cancer, these proteins become excessively active, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. By blocking the activity of CDK4 and CDK6, Palbociclib effectively reduces the capacity of these cells to divide and grow. This action helps to slow down cancer progression and limits the dissemination of cancerous cells. It is typically administered alongside hormone therapies like letrozole or fulvestrant, which focus on estrogen receptors, thereby improving its overall effectiveness. This synergistic strategy makes Palbociclib particularly potent in managing advanced or metastatic breast cancer by targeting the disease from multiple fronts, resulting in improved disease control.
Two important proteins, CDK4 and CDK6 (cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6), play a critical role in controlling the cell cycle, especially during the G1 phase. When activated, these proteins allow cells to progress from the G1 phase to the S phase, enabling DNA replication and cell division. Targeting CDK4/6, Palbociclib works by specifically inhibiting (blocking) CDK4 and CDK6 proteins. By doing so, it stops the cancer cells from progressing through the cell cycle from the G1 phase to the S phase. When CDK4/6 is blocked, cancer cells are unable to replicate their DNA and divide, leading to a “cell cycle arrest.”
Why Is This Important?
By targeting CDK4/6, Palbociclib effectively slows down or stops the growth of breast cancer cells, which can help prevent the cancer from spreading. This targeted action makes Palbociclib a valuable treatment option for patients with advanced HR+, HER2- breast cancer, offering them a more focused approach compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Combination Therapy with Other Treatments
Palbociclib is typically not utilized alone; it’s combined with other therapies for enhanced efficacy. Here’s how it pairs with common hormone treatments:
Palbociclib + Letrozole (or other aromatase inhibitors) : This combination is intended for women who have not yet undergone hormone therapy for advanced breast cancer. Letrozole inhibits estrogen production essential for tumor growth; when paired with Palbociclib, it strengthens treatment effectiveness.
Palbociclib + Fulvestrant : This regimen targets women whose breast cancer has progressed despite prior hormone therapy. Fulvestrant blocks estrogen's action on tumor cells; combining it with Palbociclib provides additional defense against tumor proliferation.
Benefits of Using Palbociclib
The primary benefits include:
- Slowing Disease Progression : It helps prolong stability in patients’ conditions by delaying tumor growth and spread.
- Enhancing Hormone Therapy Response : When used alongside hormonal therapies, its presence boosts overall treatment effectiveness.
- Convenient Administration : As an oral medication taken in capsule or tablet form, patients can manage their treatment at home rather than requiring IV administration.
- Potential Quality-of-Life Improvements : By decelerating disease progression, patients may experience fewer symptoms related to their condition and maintain daily activities longer.
Common Side Effects
Like any medication, Palbociclib may lead to side effects; however, not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include:
- Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia) : The most prevalent side effect increases infection risk; regular blood tests are necessary.
- Fatigue : Many patients report increased tiredness; maintaining rest and a balanced diet can help.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Taking the medication with food may alleviate nausea.
- Hair Thinning: Some individuals may notice mild hair thinning compared to more severe loss associated with other treatments.
- Diarrhea: Staying hydrated while consuming light meals can mitigate this issue.
- Mouth Sores: Good oral hygiene practices and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can be beneficial.
These side effects tend to be manageable; physicians might adjust dosages or suggest supportive therapies as needed.
Precautions
When using Palbociclib, it is crucial to adhere to specific safety measures to enhance treatment effectiveness and ensure your well-being. Here are the main precautions to consider:
- Monitoring Blood Cells: Palbociclib can decrease the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which heightens the risk of infections, anemia, or bleeding. Regular blood tests are necessary to keep track of your blood cell counts throughout the treatment.
- Infection Awareness: With a lower white blood cell count, you may be more vulnerable to infections. Be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or any other indications of infection and inform your healthcare provider immediately if they arise.
- Pregnancy Prevention: The use of Palbociclib can be harmful during pregnancy; therefore, women who can conceive should utilize effective contraception during treatment and for at least three weeks following their last dose. Men with female partners in this category should also practice contraception during treatment and for a minimum of three months after the final dose.
- Breastfeeding Caution: Nursing mothers should refrain from breastfeeding while on Palbociclib and for at least three weeks post-treatment due to uncertainty about whether the drug enters breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
- Avoiding Drug Interactions: Palbociclib may interact with various medications including certain antibiotics, antifungals, seizure drugs, and herbal products like St. John's Wort. Always disclose all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking to your doctor to prevent adverse interactions.
- Liver Function Monitoring: Since Palbociclib might impact liver health, your physician may conduct liver function tests during treatment. Notify them if you experience any symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), dark urine, or extreme fatigue.
FDA Approval
FDA Approval of Palbociclib (brand name Ibrance) was granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2015. The approval was specifically for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Key Points About FDA Approval:-
Initial Approval (2015):- Palbociclib was approved for use in combination with letrozole as an initial endocrine-based therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced or metastatic HR+, HER2- breast cancer.
Expanded Approval (2016):- The FDA expanded the approval to include palbociclib in combination with fulvestrant for women with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer who had disease progression after endocrine therapy.
Approval Based on Clinical Trials:- The FDA approvals were based on the results of clinical trials, including the PALOMA-1, PALOMA-2, and PALOMA-3 studies, which demonstrated that palbociclib significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with this type of breast cancer.
