HOW SUCCESSFUL IS VERZENIO?

 How successful is Verzenio?

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, and it has shown significant success in clinical trials.

One of the primary indications for Verzenio is advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-). In a phase III clinical trial called MONARCH 2, Verzenio was compared to a placebo in patients with advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer who had previously received endocrine therapy.

The trial found that patients treated with Verzenio had a longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those who received the placebo. PFS is the length of time before the cancer starts to grow again, and it is a key measure of the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In the trial, patients who received Verzenio had a median PFS of 16.4 months, compared to 9.3 months for those who received the placebo.

Verzenio has also been shown to be effective in treating advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a specific genetic mutation called cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6). In a phase II clinical trial called JUNIPER, Verzenio was compared to a placebo in patients with advanced or metastatic CDK4/6-positive NSCLC who had previously received chemotherapy.

The trial found that patients treated with Verzenio had a longer median PFS than those who received the placebo. Patients who received Verzenio had a median PFS of 6.1 months, compared to 4.2 months for those who received the placebo.

In addition, Verzenio has been approved for use in treating advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and endometrial cancer. In clinical trials, Verzenio has been shown to be effective in slowing the growth and spread of these types of cancer.

Overall, Verzenio has been shown to be a highly effective targeted therapy for certain types of cancer, particularly those that involve uncontrolled cell growth. While it is not a cure for cancer, it can significantly prolong PFS and improve quality of life for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.

It is important to note that cancer treatment is highly individualized, and the effectiveness of Verzenio can vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's in general physical condition and checkup history. If you are being treated with Verzenio or any other cancer medication, it is important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage any side effects and ensure that you are receiving the majority benefit from your conduct.