Eribulin drug review

Eribulin is an anticancer drug approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This drug is a synthetic derivative from Japanese marine sponge Halichondria okadai. It acts by interfering with the microtubular growth ultimately leading to apoptosis after prolonged mitotic blockage. In patients with metastatic breast cancer refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes, eribulin is one of the life-saving options. Neutropenia, neuropathy and QT prolongation are the most frequent adverse events associated with this drug. Phase I/II trials are also underway in refractory lung, ovarian, pancreatic, bladder, and soft tissue tumors. Larger prospective studies will define the role of this drug in a wide variety of tumors, and the future looks very promising.