Calusterone therapy for advanced breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Advanced metastatic breast cancer presents significant treatment challenges.
• Hormonal therapies are a cornerstone in managing hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Calusterone in postmenopausal patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• 45 postmenopausal patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer received Calusterone 200 mg daily.
• Efficacy assessed by objective regression, pain relief, and disease progression.
• Toxicity and side effects were systematically recorded.

Main Results:

• Of 40 evaluable patients, 11 (27.5%) could not tolerate the drug due to severe toxicity.
• Objective regression or pain relief observed in 4 patients (9.1%) for an average of 15.2 weeks.
• Disease progression occurred in 12 patients (30%), while 13 (32.5%) had arrest of progression.
• 33 patients (75%) experienced toxic effects, including nausea, vomiting, fluid retention, SGOT elevation, and androgenic side effects.
• 11 patients (25%) discontinued the drug due to toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Calusterone demonstrated limited clinical benefit in advanced metastatic breast cancer.
• High rates of toxicity and adverse events were observed, impacting patient tolerability and treatment continuation.