Patient adherence and adverse event for adjuvant abemaciclib in HER+/HER2- high risk BC patients

The MonarchE study led to the reimbursement of the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib in Belgium for high-risk ER+/HER2- breast cancer patients in the adjuvant setting for a 2-year period. To assess the real-world implications of this treatment, Dr Maxime Van Houdt from University Hospitals Leuven presents a study that was conducted evaluating side effects and treatment discontinuation.

A total of 311 patients in the Medical Need program and 41 patients at UZ Leuven were analyzed, with exclusions based on age, comorbidities or patient refusal. Results indicated that around 50% of patients required a dose reduction, and 10.2% discontinued treatment due to adverse events. The data indicate satisfactory adherence to the treatment regimen, even with a less intensive follow-up approach compared to the MonarchE study.

Common adverse events included diarrhea, nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue. The management of these side effects is crucial to maximize treatment benefits and maintain the quality of life for patients undergoing this novel breast cancer therapy.

Reference:

Van Houdt M, Patient adherence profiles for adjuvant abemaciclib in HR+/HER2- High Risk EBC based on real world evidence (RWE) from a Medical Need Program in Belgium: A descriptive retrospective cohort study. SABCS 2023, #PO4-17-12