Therapeutic Place of Fulvestrant in the Management of Hormone-receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract

Fulvestrant is an oestrogen-receptor antagonist that exerts selective oestrogen receptor downregulation, antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis. It is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer for disease relapse or progression on or after adjuvant anti-oestrogen therapy. Fulvestrant was initially approved at a dose of 250 mg, however, the results of the CONFIRM trial led to approval of 500 mg dose (i.e. 500 mg on days 0, 14 and 28, then 500 mg every 28 days). Fulvestrant has also shown superiority over anastrozole as first-line therapy in the phase II trial. There are contrasting data for its efficacy when used in combination with anastrozole. It is well tolerated, with no significant difference with respect to the toxicity profile of other hormonal therapies. Treatment with fulvestrant is not associated with any clinically significant effects on sex hormone levels, bone-specific turnover markers or endometrial thickening. Fulvestrant has been recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European School of Oncology guidelines as a treatment option in first- and second-line management of hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.