How does Ibrance kill cancer?
- Ibrance targets two particular enzymes CDK4 and CDK6, that are important for cell division.
- In some cancers, such as HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, CDK4/6 activity is overactive and out of control in breast cancer cells.
- By inhibiting these enzymes, Ibrance slows down cell division that leads to new cancer growth.
Ibrance (palbociclib) is a targeted treatment that helps to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Ibrance may be used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer in women with HR-positive, HER2-negative disease and is usually given when cancer has progressed or spread to other parts of the body despite other treatments.
How does Ibrance work in breast cancer?
Ibrance belongs to the class of medicines known as CDK 4/6 inhibitors.
CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as Ibrance, target particular enzymes, called CDK4 and CDK6. CDK stands for cyclin-dependent kinase, and it is an enzyme that is important for cell division. By blocking these enzymes Ibrance slows down cell division that leads to new cancer cell growth.
Some cancers, such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, are more likely to have overactive and unregulated CDK4/6 activity, and CDK 4/6 inhibitors such as Ibrance are useful for treatment.
Research suggests CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as Ibrance, may increase the time people have before cancer spreads. More evidence is needed to determine their impact on overall survival.
Ibrance is normally given for 21 days in a row along with other medications, such as an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant. This cycle is repeated every 28 days as long as you are having a positive response to the medicine and tolerate the side effects well.
References
- Ibrance (Palbociclib) [Package Insert] drugclasses.com https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/ibrance.html
Read next
Will insurance pay for the cost of Ibrance?
Ibrance (palbociclib) is an expensive medicine used to treat breast cancer, but most people do not pay the full price for this drug. Your insurance, the manufacturer of Ibrance, or patient assistance programs may be available to help you pay for this medication. Continue reading
Is Verzenio better than Ibrance?
Head-to-head trials comparing Verzenio to Ibrance have not been conducted. However, one is currently underway with results expected in 2023. Verzenio is taken twice daily, every day. Ibrance is taken every day for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Verzenio can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments. Ibrance is always taken in combination with either an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant. Verzenio is more likely than Ibrance to cause severe diarrhea. Both Verzenio and Ibrance can be used as combination treatment to treat breast cancer in men. Verzenio is also approved to treat adults with early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence in combination with endocrine treatment (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor). Continue reading
Can you take Verzenio after Ibrance fails?
Both Verzenio and Ibrance belong to the same class of medicine, called CDK 4/6 inhibitors, therefore, because they are both in the same class of medicines, clinically, it is unknown if there is an advantage in switching from one to another if one fails. However, research has shown breast cancer cells can acquire resistance to CDK 4/6 inhibitors by producing higher amounts of CDK6. Laboratory trials have shown that a “treatment holiday” of 28 days reversed this resistance, which implies that there may be some benefit of either stopping Ibrance temporarily or switching from Ibrance to Verzenio after a treatment break. Comparative trials comparing Verzenio to Ibrance are currently underway with results expected in 2023. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Ibrance Information for Consumers
- Ibrance prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Ibrance (detailed)
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