The FDA has approved Verzenio (abemaciclib) for two new uses in breast cancer. First, it can be used in early breast cancer for patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative disease that has spread to lymph nodes and has a high risk of coming back. In these patients, Verzenio is taken with hormone therapy like tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Second, for advanced or metastatic breast cancer, Verzenio can be used with an aromatase inhibitor as the first hormone based treatment, with fulvestrant after hormone therapy stops working, or alone after hormone therapy and chemotherapy have been tried.
This approval is important because it gives patients with high risk early breast cancer a new option to lower the chance of the cancer returning. For those with advanced disease, it adds to the choices available. Verzenio is a pill taken by mouth, and it works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells grow.
However, like all medicines, Verzenio has side effects. Common ones include diarrhea, low blood cell counts, and fatigue. Patients should talk to their doctor about whether Verzenio is right for them, especially if they have other health conditions or take other medications. This approval does not mean Verzenio is for everyone with breast cancer. It is only for specific types and stages.
The bottom line is that Verzenio offers a new tool for certain breast cancer patients. If you or a loved one has breast cancer, ask your doctor if Verzenio might be an option. Always follow your doctor's advice about your treatment plan.
