FDA Approval Summary: Alpelisib Plus Fulvestrant for Patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated,

Preeti Narayan1, Tatiana M Prowell2, Jennifer J Gao2,3

  • 1Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland. preeti.narayan@fda.hhs.gov.

Insights

Alpelisib combined with fulvestrant significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer. This combination therapy offers a new treatment option for this specific patient population.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer is a common subtype.
  • Activating mutations in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene are prevalent in this subtype.
  • Targeted therapies are needed for patients progressing on standard endocrine-based regimens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpelisib plus fulvestrant versus placebo plus fulvestrant in patients with PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer.
  • To determine the impact of PIK3CA mutation status on treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • The SOLAR-1 study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  • Participants received either alpelisib plus fulvestrant or placebo plus fulvestrant.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint, assessed by investigator assessment per RECIST v1.1.

Main Results:

  • Median PFS was 11 months with alpelisib plus fulvestrant versus 5.7 months with placebo plus fulvestrant in PIK3CA-mutated tumors (HR, 0.65; P = 0.001).
  • No PFS benefit was observed in patients without PIK3CA mutations (HR, 0.85).
  • Common adverse reactions included hyperglycemia, increased creatinine, diarrhea, and rash.

Conclusions:

  • Alpelisib in combination with fulvestrant provides a significant PFS benefit for patients with PIK3CA-mutated advanced or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
  • This combination is an effective targeted therapy option following progression on endocrine-based therapy.
  • The safety profile is manageable, with common side effects including metabolic and dermatologic toxicities.

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