ASCO study: Use of off-label drugs in breast cancer quite common

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 18 No 6
Volume 18
Issue 6

Researchers from Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center evaluted the prevalence and impact of off-label therapies in breast cancer and found that nearly 35% of women were treated with off-label chemotherapy at some point during their care.

Researchers from Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center evaluted the prevalence and impact of off-label therapies in breast cancer and found that nearly 35% of women were treated with off-label chemotherapy at some point during their care.

Sharon Giordano, MD, and colleagues identified 2,082 women (ages 65 and up) diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer between 1991 and 2002 and logged into the SEER database. The DRUGDEX compendium was also referenced (ASCO abstract 1016).

They found that 34.9% of the women were treated with off-label chemotherapy, with the most common off-label chemotherapies noted being vinorelbine tartrate (Navelbine), which is approved for lung cancer, and gemcitabine (Gemzar), which is approved for pancreatic cancer.

Articles in this issue
ADT in prostate ca increases risk of bone and heart complications
Abraxis backs SPARC as prognostic biomarker
ALK-1 receptor: New target in angiogenesis
Abraxane prolongs PFS in metastatic disease
SAVI applicator removes obstacles associated with brachytherapy
Mistrust, costs reduce breast cancer screening among minorities
Oral chemotherapy poses more challenges for cancer community
CMS nixes CT colonography screening
New ultrasound strategy helps pinpoint prostate tumors
New research on VEGF, gene mutations refines understanding of tumor angiogenesis
From the ONI archives: Should low-dose induction dexamethasone be standard of care in multiple myeloma?
Persistent circulating tumor cells predict worse outcomes in early breast cancer
Genomics takes center stage at AACR in chemoprevention and disease treatment
Gefitinib changes first-line Rx for lung ca in Asian pts
Who's News
Recent Videos
Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.
Patients with node-negative disease who are older and have comorbidities may not be suitable to receive CDK4/6 inhibitors.
An observed carryover effect with CDK4/6 inhibitors may reduce the risk of recurrence years after a patient stops treatment.
Breast oncologist Jade E. Jones, MD, says she tries to send patients with BRCA-mutant HR-positive TNBC to clinical trials that use PARP inhibitors.
Related Content
Breast Medical Oncologist Returns Home to Serve in Multidisciplinary Clinic

Breast Medical Oncologist Returns Home to Serve in Multidisciplinary Clinic

Ariana Pelosci
July 29th 2025
Article

Priya Jayachandran, MD, FACP, spoke about her new position at El Camino Health as well as her career as a breast oncologist.

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Advancements and Evolving Strategies in Breast Cancer Treatment at IBC East

Heather McArthur, MD, MPH;Erika P. Hamilton, MD;Hope S. Rugo, MD;Paolo Tarantino, MD, PhD
July 21st 2025
Podcast

Leading experts in the breast cancer field highlight the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other treatment modalities.

Data from the phase 3 INAVO120 trial support the approval of inavolisib-based treatment for patients with PIK3CA+, ER+/HER2– disease in the EU.

Inavolisib Combo Receives EU Approval in PIK3CA+ ER+/HER2– Breast Cancer

Russ Conroy
July 24th 2025
Article

Data from the phase 3 INAVO120 trial support the approval of inavolisib-based treatment for patients with PIK3CA+, ER+/HER2– disease in the EU.

Findings highlight a need to incorporate diverse populations when developing guideline-concordant breast cancer care to achieve efficacy for all patients.

Eliminating Racial Disparities in Guideline-Concordant Breast Cancer Care

Oluwadamilola “Lola” Fayanju, MD, MA, MPHS, FACS
April 21st 2025
Podcast

Findings highlight a need to incorporate diverse populations when developing guideline-concordant breast cancer care to achieve efficacy for all patients.

The regulatory decision is based on data from the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast09 results presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.

T-DXd Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by FDA in HER2+ Breast Cancer

Roman Fabbricatore
July 18th 2025
Article

The regulatory decision is based on data from the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast09 results presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Strategizing ADC Use to Enhance Breast Cancer Outcomes

Strategizing ADC Use to Enhance Breast Cancer Outcomes

Ariana Pelosci
July 17th 2025
Article

Paolo Tarantino, MD, PhD, discusses sequencing ADCs, managing cross-resistance, and understanding ADC composition for patients with breast cancer.