PROPSEA, safety evaluation of palbociclib and ribociclib in older patients with breast cancer: A prospective real-world TOG study

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, the toxicities and management of palbociclib and ribociclib in older patients (≥65 years) with metastatic breast cancer patients were investigated.

Materials and methods: Among older patients receiving palbociclib and ribociclib, Geriatric 8 (G8) and Groningen Frailty Index were used to evaluate frailty status. Dose modifications, drug withdrawal and other serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded and analyzed according to baseline patient characteristics.

Results: A total of 160 patients from 28 centers in Turkey were included (palbociclib = 76, ribociclib = 84). Forty-three patients were ≥ 75 years of age. The most common cause of first dose modification was neutropenia for both drugs (97% palbociclib, 69% ribociclib). Liver function tests elevation (10%) and renal function impairment (6%) were also causes for ribociclib dose modification. Drug withdrawal rate was 3.9% for palbociclib and 6% for ribociclib. SAEs were seen in 11.8% of those taking palbociclib and 15.5% of those on riboclib. An ECOG performance status of ≥2 and being older than 75 years were associated with dose reductions. Severe neutropenia was more common in patients with non-bone-only metastatic disease, those receiving treatment third-line therapy or higher, coexistance of non-neutropenic hematological side effects (for ribociclib). Neutropenia was less common among patients with obesity.

Discussion: Our results show that it can be reasonable to start palbociclib and ribociclib at reduced dose in patients aged ≥75 years and/or with an ECOG performance status ≥2.

Keywords: Adverse events; Breast cancer; CDK 4/6 inhibitors; Geriatrics.