Palbociclib: Breast cancer drugs list & full guide
Palbociclib is an innovative targeted therapy and the first-in-class inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). It functions by blocking specific proteins that allow cancer cells to divide uncontrollably, effectively halting tumor growth.
This medication has revolutionized the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and HER2-negative breast cancer, significantly extending progression-free survival. On Unifarm, you will find a list of available brand-name drugs and high-quality generics containing this active substance.
Indications
- Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+/HER2-).
- First-line therapy: In combination with an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., letrozole) in postmenopausal women.
- Second-line therapy: In combination with fulvestrant in women who have received prior endocrine therapy.
Dosage and administration
Taken orally (capsules/tablets) strictly with food to ensure optimal absorption.
Dosing Regimen (28-day cycle):
- Recommended Dose: 125 mg once daily for 21 consecutive days.
- Break: 7 days off treatment before starting a new cycle.
In case of toxicity (especially hematologic), the physician may reduce the dose to 100 mg or 75 mg.
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (high risk of fetal harm).
- Pediatric use under 18 years of age.
- Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., St. John's Wort, rifampin), as they decrease Palbociclib plasma concentrations.
The primary side effect is bone marrow suppression, necessitating regular blood tests (Complete Blood Count):
- Hematologic: Neutropenia (critically low neutrophils), leukopenia, anemia.
- Infections: Increased risk of infections due to compromised immunity.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, stomatitis, diarrhea.
- General: Fatigue, alopecia (hair thinning).
