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Eribulin mesylate in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Authors Jain, Cigler T

Received 30 September 2011

Accepted for publication 28 October 2011

Published 11 January 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 21—29

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S19811

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Sarika Jain, Tessa Cigler
Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA

Abstract: The treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has become increasingly challenging as the primary goals of therapy include prolonging life without added toxicity. While multiple agents are approved for the therapy of MBC, there is no standard approach for therapy beyond the second-line. Eribulin mesylate, an analog of the marine sponge halichondrin B, is a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor with a mechanism of action distinct from other tubulin-targeted drugs. Based on a significant extension in overall survival seen in a Phase III clinical trial, eribulin was approved for third-line therapy in MBC patients following anthracycline and taxane failure. Eribulin has a manageable toxicity profile and a low incidence of peripheral neuropathy. In this review, we discuss the natural source of eribulin, pharmacology, mode of action, preclinical and clinical data, and patient-focused perspectives.

Keywords: eribulin, metastatic breast cancer, microtubule

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