Capivasertib: An Innovative Therapeutic Alternative
The European Medicines Agency has given the green light to a promising drug known as capivasertib, developed by AstraZeneca. This new treatment is designed to improve the quality of life of patients facing advanced breast cancer, particularly those with specific characteristics in their tumors.
Revealing Results in Patients with Breast Cancer
Research published in The Lancet Oncology highlights that patients who received the combination of capivasertib and fulvestrant experienced a significant extension in their quality of life compared to those who received fulvestrant alone. The results show an average of 24.9 months before their health deteriorated, in contrast to 12 months for patients who did not receive the new drug.
The Clinical Context and the Need for New Options
RH+ HER2- breast cancer accounts for approximately 70% of cases of this disease. With 50% of these tumors presenting alterations in the Akt signaling pathway, the need for effective treatments is evident. Currently, first-line endocrine therapy, combined with fulvestrant, is the standard, but many patients continue to face challenges once the disease progresses.
Catalan Research at the Forefront of Advancement
The path to approval of capivasertib in Europe has been cemented by a phase 3 clinical trial, led by Dr. Mafalda Oliveira, an oncologist at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. This study has been crucial in demonstrating the benefit-risk profile of the new treatment, consolidating its place in the therapeutic arsenal against breast cancer.
Effectiveness and Tolerability: Keys to the CAPItello-291 Trial
The CAPItello-291 trial, which involved 708 patients, compared the capivasertib-fulvestrant combination with fulvestrant plus a placebo. The results showed a 40% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death in the group receiving the new treatment, with a median progression-free survival of 7.2 months, compared with 3.6 months for the control group.
Future Outlook and Global Expansion
With capivasertib approved in countries such as the United States and Japan, attention is now turning to other regions, including China, where regulatory applications are being reviewed. Dr. Oliveira emphasizes the importance of conducting trials to identify patients who could benefit from this innovative combination, thus highlighting a new horizon in the fight against breast cancer.
