2023 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment: Breakthroughs from ASCO Clinical Trials

 

The 2023 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual clinical meeting in cancer research showcased groundbreaking advances in Breast Cancer treatment. Among the plethora of clinical trial updates, two stand out as game-changers.

Firstly, CDK4/6 inhibitors are taking a prominent position in Breast Cancer therapy.  Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6) are enzymes important in cell division.  CDK4/6 inhibitors are drugs designed to interrupt the growth of cancer cells.  CDK4/6 inhibitors are used in combination with hormone therapy to treat some Breast Cancers.  These inhibitors block cancer cells' growth cycle, preventing cancer progression, and were initially developed as a treatment option for endocrine therapy-resistant Breast Cancer.  Palbociclib (Ibrance®) received American FDA approval in 2015, followed by ribociclib (Kisqali®) and abemaciclib (Verzenio®) in 2017 and in the UK NICE approved it in 2018.  Researchers presented trials with these inhibitors that have the potential to change treatment strategies for both early- and advanced HR-positive/HER2-negative Breast Cancer.

Secondly, the phase 3 NATALEE trial presented promising results for ribociclib (Kisqali®) in early-stage Breast Cancer.  NATALEE is a global, Phase III, multicenter, randomised, open-label trial in women, regardless of menopausal status, and men with HR+/HER2− EBC. The NATALEE trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of ribociclib plus standard adjuvant ET versus standard adjuvant ET alone.  Administered in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, ribociclib reduced recurrence risk by 25% compared to the inhibitor alone.  The treatment was well-tolerated, paving the way for FDA approval and adding a valuable option to current therapies for early-stage Breast Cancer patients.

Additionally, the PHERGain trial provided hope for HER2-positive Breast Cancer patients. The phase II PHERGain trial, which employed a response-adapted strategy in the treatment of early-stage, HER2-positive Breast Cancer, has shown promising results for the selective use of HER2 blockade and de-escalation of chemotherapy.  The study utilised PET scans early in treatment to identify responders to HER2-targeted therapies. This allowed clinicians to tailor treatment plans, sparing one-third of patients from unnecessary chemotherapy.

These groundbreaking advancements from ASCO clinical trials indicate a promising future for Breast Cancer treatment, offering improved survival rates and more personalised approaches to care.  As research progresses, we can anticipate even more significant breakthroughs in the fight against Breast Cancer.

If you found these advances in Breast Cancer treatment interesting and would like to study to become a Breast Cancer Post Operative Rehabilitation Instructor,  helping Breast Cancer survivors to regain their fitness and return to mainstream classes:  Take a look at the Mbodies Pink Ribbon Post Rehab Online Instructor training course, where you combine learning about the experience of a Breast Cancer survivor from diagnosis, through treatment, and often reconstruction.  You will understand the appropriate therapies on the way, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immunotherapy and other targeted therapies, and then the ongoing treatment regimes and side effects common with Breast Cancer.   You will then look at the place of exercise in regaining lifestyle and reducing the risk of recurrence and will use a database of exercises to teach classes and one on ones to survivors, once the NHS has done its part. 

Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Author:  Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1988.  He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners.  With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency.  His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew.  As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD.  Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk