Alpelisib + Fulvestrant for Breast Cancer
(EPIK-B5 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing whether a new drug combination of alpelisib and fulvestrant works better than just fulvestrant alone in men and postmenopausal women with a specific type of advanced breast cancer. Alpelisib targets cancer cell mutations, while fulvestrant blocks hormones that help the cancer grow.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot have prior treatment with fulvestrant, oral SERDs, PI3K, mTOR, or AKT inhibitors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have previously been treated with fulvestrant or certain other specific drugs, you may not be eligible to participate.
What safety data exists for Alpelisib + Fulvestrant in breast cancer treatment?
The combination of Alpelisib (Piqray) and Fulvestrant (Faslodex) has been studied for safety in treating HR-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The SOLAR-1 study, which led to FDA approval, reported common adverse reactions such as increased glucose, creatinine, diarrhea, rash, and nausea. Real-world analyses indicate high rates of hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea, with some cases requiring hospitalization and treatment. The safety profile necessitates careful patient selection and monitoring, especially regarding glycemic status.12345
What safety information is available for the combination of Alpelisib and Fulvestrant in breast cancer treatment?
Is the drug Alpelisib + Fulvestrant a promising treatment for breast cancer?
Yes, the drug Alpelisib combined with Fulvestrant is promising for treating a specific type of breast cancer. It has shown to improve the time patients live without the cancer getting worse, especially in those with a certain gene mutation. This combination has been approved for use in the USA and Europe, indicating its effectiveness.13456
How is the drug Alpelisib + Fulvestrant unique for breast cancer treatment?
Alpelisib + Fulvestrant is unique because it specifically targets PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, improving progression-free survival compared to fulvestrant alone. Alpelisib is the first PI3K inhibitor approved for this type of breast cancer, offering a novel approach for patients whose disease has progressed after other hormone therapies.13456
What data supports the idea that Alpelisib + Fulvestrant for Breast Cancer is an effective drug?
The available research shows that Alpelisib combined with Fulvestrant is effective for treating a specific type of breast cancer that has a PIK3CA mutation. In a study called SOLAR-1, patients who took Alpelisib with Fulvestrant had their cancer stay under control for about 11 months on average, compared to only 5.7 months for those who took Fulvestrant with a placebo. This means the combination drug helped keep the cancer from getting worse for a longer time. Another study from France also showed that patients who had already tried other treatments still benefited from this combination, even though they had been heavily pre-treated. However, it's important to note that this drug can have side effects, like increased blood sugar levels, so patients need to be monitored carefully.12346
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination Alpelisib and Fulvestrant for breast cancer?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Principal Investigator
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer who have progressed after treatment with an AI and a CDK4/6 inhibitor. They must have at least one measurable lesion, a PIK3CA mutation, and if female, be postmenopausal. They can't join if they've had more than two systemic therapies in the metastatic setting or prior treatment with certain inhibitors.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive alpelisib plus fulvestrant or placebo plus fulvestrant in 28-day cycles until disease progression or other criteria are met
Crossover
Participants in the placebo arm with disease progression may crossover to receive alpelisib plus fulvestrant
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Alpelisib
- Fulvestrant
Alpelisib is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated, advanced or metastatic breast cancer following progression on or after an endocrine-based regimen
- Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Vas Narasimhan
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Chief Executive Officer since 2018
MD from Harvard Medical School
Dr. Shreeram Aradhye
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD