Eribulin mesylate in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

ibulin mesylate in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer Review (4187) Total Article Views Authors: Jain S, Cigler T Published Date January 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 21 - 29 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S19811 Received: 30 September 2011 Accepted: 28 October 2011 Published: 11 January 2012 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.