Abemaciclib Verezenio side effects
Hi Ladies, I have recently started on Letrizole/Hormone Therapy, and Verenio / Abemaciclib and am struggling with the side effects. I am in the fortunate position in that both these drugs are being given as a preventative measure. I don’t have Mets, but am at very high risk of re-occurrence. Originally diagnosed with bi-lateral early breast cancer back in March 2023. Had a small 1cm triple negative tumour, and a larger (5cm), more aggressive (grade 3) oestrogen positive tumour with lymph node involvement. After initial breast reduction to remove both tumours and additional auxiliary clearance, I had 6 months of chemo, plus radiotherapy to both breasts. I managed to keep fairly positive throughout these treatments, and while at time a struggle did manage to work albeit at reduced pace throughout. Just as I finished radiotherapy my oncologist recommended abemaciclibb as part of a trial that is showing reduction in recurrence rates of around 6%. I’ve only been on these for 5 weeks, and while the side effects are manageable, they are not a lot of fun - diarrhoea, fatigue, vertigo, and just generally feeling unwell. Hot flushes and insomnia with the hormone therapy which again are manageable and on their own no big deal, but the combination has me exhausted. I was soooooo looking forward to end of my active treatment and getting some energy back, getting back to working full time aswell, but now with two years ahead of me on this regime, I am wondering if it is worth it. Oncologists reluctant to reduce dosage and are keen for me to stay on the Abemaciclib, but I’d love to hear from anyone else is in a similar position and how you are managing the pros and cons of the treatment options versus quality of life, and from anyone who’s been on Abemaciclib for a while to know if side effects improve over time. Thanks Jenni
Q&A – TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER on Tuesday 24th October from 4:30-6pm (AEDT).
Register for the Q&A on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (Submit a question.) https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/news/qa-events/qa-triple-negative-breast-cancer/ Triple negative breast cancer accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers. As the name suggests, triple negative breast cancer does not have any of the three receptors that are commonly found on breast cancer cells – oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Anyone can be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer but it occurs more often in younger patients who are pre-menopausal or under 50 years of age. People with a BRCA1 gene mutation also have a higher risk of this type of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is a more aggressive type of tumour, with a faster growth rate, a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) and of recurrence either in the breast or elsewhere. Because it does not have any of the more common receptors that can be targeted by medications, such as hormone and HER2-blocking drugs, it has fewer treatment options available. Standard treatment of early stage triple negative breast cancer typically includes chemotherapy, surgery and in many cases a course of radiotherapy. Often chemotherapy treatment is given prior to breast surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy), as it can effectively reduce the size of the breast cancer while providing useful information about the effectiveness of the treatment being given. Breast Cancer Trials has been researching new and better treatments for triple negative breast cancer. The CHARIOT clinical trial examined the addition of dual immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy and showed promising results in patients with treatment resistant, early-stage triple negative breast cancer. The Neo-N clinical trial is investigating whether using an immunotherapy drug together with chemotherapy, is safe and effective in treating breast cancer before surgery. Results of this study are expected later this year. Join our panel of experts as we explore triple negative breast cancer. We’ll hear firsthand from women who have a history of this type of cancer, and from world-leading researchers on the latest in research and clinical trials to improve treatments and patient outcomesBreast Cancer & Fertility - a Q&A Webinar - 20th Feb, 5 - 6.30pm
For those interested in Breast Cancer & Fertility - register for this webinar on Feb 20th. Around 4,000 women in Australia under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. For those in their childbearing years decisions about treatment need to consider fertility, as treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy may induce premature menopause and can reduce a woman’s chance of having children. Moderated by author and journalist Annabel Crabb, the panel of experts will discuss fertility preservation options, informed decision making, and the latest research – including the POEMS clinical trial, which your support has made possible. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/news/qa-events/qa-breast-cancer-and-fertility/Triple Negative Vaccine hopes to eliminate the disease - we need these trials in Australia NOW!
This is in the UK newspaper today - hopefully these trials will be in Australia SOON .... Maybe Ask your Onc about this ..... the sooner it starts here, the better. Triple Negative Breast cancer vaccine 'could eliminate disease by 2030' : 15 women who survived aggressive tumours are still in remission up to five years later after receiving experimental shot — now doctors believe a cure is in sight https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12140391/Breast-cancer-vaccine-eliminate-form-disease-seven-YEARS.html and another report from Dec 2022 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11400715/Three-cancer-patients-cured-experimental-vaccine-100x-cheaper-rival-shots.htmlDr Liz O'Riordan talks about her surgeries & aftermath - A UK Breast Surgeon with Breast Cancer
Dr Liz O'Riordan was diagnosed with breast cancer some years after qualifying as a breast cancer surgeon & realised that whilst she knew some of the physical effects of Breast Cancer surgery - she really was not prepared for the psychological (and indeed actual physical limitations) that she experienced, once she'd had her own surgery, chemo, rads etc - she also suffered from extreme cording that restricted her arm movement. Eventually, after a recurrence and more surgery, it prevented her from continuing as a Breast Surgeon. This is a more recent write up : https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/dr-liz-oriordan-im-a-breast-cancer-surgeon-this-is-what-surviving-cancer-myself-taught-me/GWGO5EWTRNFAHB7MLHU5SGPTIM/ In her own 'blog' - she writes candidly - from her own diagnosis, surgery, chemo, tabs & treatment overall with all the same fears and side effects that many of us have experienced .... Read her personal story here (then click on her 'blog': http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/ You can follow her on Instagram too https://www.instagram.com/oriordanliz - work your way thru her videos ..... they are authentic & helpful She has announced a New trial in the UK, attempting to identify younger women with higher risk of breast cancer BEFORE diagnosis - particularly those with dense breast tissue .... leading to earlier intensive testing before the 'normal age' of 40 https://www.instagram.com ; /p/Ct_-RRUINgJ/. (copy & join these 2 parts of the link, to see it as it won't load here.) Nina Lopez (who Liz interviews in one of the videos - add 'this link' after the '.instagram.com bit ... p/Ct2ESwoIkwn/) who talks about HER triple Negative BC here: https://www.the-c-list.com/stories/nina-lopez-39-shares-her-story-of-motherhood-treatment-and-resilience-as-she-lives-with-secondary-breast-cancer And below, are some of the subjects that she covers on Instagram ..Breast Cancer Trials Q&A with Annabel Crabb - Metastatic Breast Cancer. Feb 7, 2022
This link came thru my emails today and may be of interest to you. In this upcoming Q&A event, moderated by TV presenter Annabel Crabb, we will be discussing the latest in research for metastatic breast cancer with leading researchers, as well as the psychological impacts of this disease and participating in clinical trials. Register for this online event today and submit your question on this important topic. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-registration?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=q&a%20event&utm_source=Online+Q%26A+Events&utm_campaign=47ff52d9a0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_12_08_12_52_COPY_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_12c58d6b37-47ff52d9a0-154610245 (click on link above to register.)Targeted clinical trial for patients with lymphoedema related to breast cancer surgery
Hi members, The below clinical trial conducted by LeapCure may be of interest to some of you. If you have breast cancer surgery related lymphoedema following a dissection or biopsy procedure, you could be eligible to join a clinical trial that is enrolling nearby. Initial eligibility includes lymphoedema patients who have had surgery for their breast cancer at least 6 months ago and diagnosed with lymphoedema within the past 4 years. The following pre-screener will help you determine your suitability, match you to a nearby trial site, and enter you on to a list for the LeapCure team to give you a call back. To help you determine if you are eligible for the study, LeapCure, who are administering the recruitment of this study in Australia, have developed a survey found at the link below. By taking this survey, you are providing your consent (agreement) for LeapCure to collect and store your survey answers on an overseas server (large computer) that is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (USA). Here is the pre-screening link: https://research.leapcure.com/studies/bclymph?locale=en-AU&utm_source=BCNA&utm_medium=mixed&utm_campaign=060921Pv22&utm_cat=PAGNWAU&utm_study=bclymphClinical Trials Update
Hello members, Our BCNA Senior Policy Officer has provided the below information regarding clinical trials that may be of interest to our members. These are also being shared in our Health Professionals Network News and the Metastatic Advisory Group (I shall post in the mets private group re EMBRACE Phase II trial). Nivolumab neoadjuvant/adjuvant clinical trial The CA209-7FL neoadjuvant/adjuvant breast cancer trial continues to be open to recruitment, running in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria for patients with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early-stage breast cancer. Bristol Myers Squibb will be implementing a digital advertising campaign expected to launch in October/November 2021. This will target both health professionals and patients. More information on the trial can be found here. EMBRACE Phase II Olaparib clinical trial EMBRACE is a Phase II clinical trial of the PARP inhibitor, Olaparib, in HR-deficient metastatic breast and relapsed ovarian cancer in patients without germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) or relapsed platinum-sensitive high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) after first line/adjuvant therapy who have an eligible tumour molecular analysis result are suitable for the trial. There are 11 sites open in Australia in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and WA. More information on the trial can be found here or by emailing embrace.study@sydney.edu.au We encourage members to talk with their treatment team in the first instance about any clinical trials.New type of MRI being trialled in the UK for Breast Cancer Patients
Multiparametric MRI scan involves flexible scanning coil, and is quicker than traditional MRI https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jul/09/more-detailed-mri-to-detect-early-breast-cancer-begins-uk-trials https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jul/09/new-breast-cancer-scan-is-designed-with-womens-comfort-in-mind
