2023-06-14 05:29:48
What was the purpose of this study?
The study aimed to test ribociclib, a drug used to treat stage 4 breast cancer, says McGill University Health Center (MUHC) medical oncologist Jamil Asselah, who participated in the research. “We wanted to know if this drug might also be used for earlier breast cancers [stades 2 et 3] to prevent relapses. »
Despite all the treatments already used (surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy), a third of patients with stage 2 breast cancer will relapse. For those with stage 3 cancer, this ratio rises to 50%. And quite often, when the cancer comes back, it’s more aggressively.
“Even if we have fairly effective treatments to eliminate cancer for the first time, it is very important to be able to prevent recurrences,” says Dr.r Asselah.
How was this study carried out?
The study was conducted with more than 5,000 patients at risk of recurrence, many of whom are in Quebec and the rest of Canada. Half of the participants received the standard treatment to reduce the risk of relapse, hormone therapy. The other half received ribociclib treatment in addition to hormone therapy.
After three years, the rate of breast cancer recurrence was 25% lower in the group that had access to ribociclib.
“These are preliminary results, but they had to be revealed quite early because they are very significant,” underlines the MUHC oncologist. And it wouldn’t be ethical to let thousands of patients have inferior treatment. »
The results were unveiled earlier this month in Chicago at the largest annual conference for cancer specialists.
Who might benefit from this treatment?
Ribociclib targets the hormone-dependent type of breast cancer. “It’s the most common type: it affects 70% of breast cancers,” explains Dr.r Stuart Edmonds, Senior Vice-President, Mission, Research and Advocacy, Canadian Cancer Society. “That’s why this treatment might have huge payoffs. »
How does this treatment work?
Ribociclib inhibits proteins responsible for the growth of cancer cells. In this way, the drug blocks their duplication.
“Cancer cells are simply cells that divide out of control,” says Dr.r Asselah. But when they are prevented from duplicating themselves, the immune system is then able to eliminate them. »
This drug developed by Novartis is also known by its trade name, Kisqali, and must be taken in combination with hormone therapy.
Is it too early to claim victory?
“We want to find the cure for cancer so badly, so we have to be careful before we get carried away, thinks the Dr Stuart Edmonds. But it’s really encouraging! »
For his part, the Dr Asselah is very confident. “Obviously, we will continue to observe patients to see if the treatment is effective in the longer term. But with what we’re seeing so far, we think a lot of people might benefit from the treatment, so we need to make it available as soon as possible. »
Now that these results are out, it will likely be four or five months before ribociclib becomes available, says Dr.r Asselah. The time that the drug is approved by the health authorities.
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