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Apatinib Improves Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Apatinib combined with chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) and is associated with a manageable safety profile in HER2 negative (HER2-), metastatic breast cancer.
There were 80 patients enrolled in this phase II trial between August 2017 and January 2021. The patients were randomized, to treatment with either oral apatinib in addition to chemotherapy (n = 40), or chemotherapy alone (n = 40). Treatment continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurred. The endpoint of this trial was PFS.
As of January 2022, a total of 10 patients had not undergone response evaluation or had dropped out of the trial. Of the remaining 70, there were 36 patients treated with apatinib plus chemotherapy, and 34 patients received chemotherapy alone.
On average, PFS was significantly longer in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group compared to that of those receiving just chemotherapy. Additionally, the average PFS of hormone receptor-positive subgroup (n = 25 in apatinib plus chemotherapy group; n = 20 in chemotherapy group) was longer in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group than in chemotherapy group.
Severe adverse reactions included neutropenia, hypertension, leukopenia, hypokalemia, anemia, ALT, and AST in both groups.
The study authors concluded, “Apatinib combined with chemotherapy showed a significant improvements in PFS and a manageable safety profile in HER2- [metastatic breast cancer].”
Source:
Chen Z, Wang X, Huang J, et al. Apatinib combined with chemotherapy versus single chemotherapy in HER-2 negative advanced breast cancer: a randomized, controlled, open-label phase II study. Abstract presented at: American Society of Clinical Oncology; June 3-7, 2022. Chicago, IL.
