Sun Pharmaceuticals Limited recently announced the launch of Palbociclib, one of the novel targeted therapies for advanced breast cancer. The drug possesses a unique mechanism of action which helps in delaying disease progression when co-administered with several other hormonal therapies. This drug will be available in numerous dosage levels such as 75mg, 100 mg, 125 mg dosages. Kirti Ganorkar, CEO – India Business, Sun Pharma said, “We are introducing Palbociclib at an affordable price which will help improve patient access. PALENOTM will address the treatment need of several advanced breast cancer patients in India.” Since Breast cancer is one of the largest forms of cancer in the country, it has been affecting approximately over 0.21 million new female patients every year.
Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer Targeted drug therapy leverages medicines which are addicted at target proteins on breast cancer cells and these are the ones that help them not just grow, but also spread & live longer. Targeted drugs work together to destroy cancer cells in order to slow down their growth & have side effects that are different and occur from chemotherapy & can be given in the vein as an injection under the skin or either as a pill. Some of the targeted therapy drugs - for instance monoclonal antibodies work in more than one way with an aim to control cancer cells & may also be considered immunotherapy since it can boost the immune system.
Similar to chemotherapy, these drugs get into the bloodstream & reach almost all areas of the body, and this makes them more useful against cancers which have spread to distant parts of the body. However, targeted drugs at times work even when chemo drugs do not work. And some of the targeted drugs can help other types of treatment work better.
Targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer In about fifteen per cent to twenty per cent of breast cancers, the cancer cells make too much of a growth that are promoting protein which is known as HER2. These cancers that are known as HER2-positive breast cancers, usually tend to grow & spread more aggressively than HER2-negative breast cancers. Several kinds of drugs have been developed which target the HER2 protein.
Monoclonal antibodies Monoclonal antibodies – these are man-made versions of immune system proteins which are designed for attaching it to a specific target. Here, they attach to the HER2 protein on cancer cells, that can help them stop the cells from growing. Trastuzumab – this can be used for treating both early-stage as well as advanced breast cancer & this drug is most often given with chemo however it may also be used alone.
In a nutshell Older patients would possess a higher risk of developing heart problems from trastuzumab & this is more common for patients who have heart disease already & for those who get certain combinations of chemotherapy. For older patients that are in to taking chemotherapy, they would have a higher risk of fatigue as well as peripheral neuropathy. It is crucial for all patients to talk with their doctors regarding the systematic therapy options that are being recommended, and this includes the benefits & risks as well. It should also ask about potential side effects & how they can be managed.
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