Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of eribulin therapy for metastatic breast cancer in daily practice

BACKGROUND: Evidence of eribulin therapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in clinical practice is not well documented. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of eribulin in 29 MBC patients from 2011 to 2016 at Fukuoka University Hospital. RESULTS: The median patient age, number of courses, total dose, and relative dose intensity were as follows: 65 years, five courses, 8.6 mg/m(2), and 75%, respectively. One patient achieved a complete response, (CR) six a partial response (PR), eight stable disease (SD) and 14 patients exhibited progressive disease. The objective response rate (ORR: CR + PR) was 24.1%, and the clinical benefit rate (CBR: CR + PR + SD) was 51.7%. The median progression‐free survival was 90 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 67–126) and median overall survival was 264 days (95% CI 198–357). In patients who previously received 2–4 regimens, the ORR was 28.5% and the CBR was 57.1%. In patients who received 5–12 regimens, the ORR was 20% and the CBR was 45%. Chemotherapy was administered to 20 patients (69%) after eribulin administration, and the median overall survival rate of cases that achieved greater than a PR was 1088 days. The most frequent treatment‐related grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (55.2%), and febrile neutropenia (20.1%). Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 13.8% of patients, but was not exacerbated even if present before treatment. CONCLUSION: Eribulin is effective for MBC patients who have received multiple chemotherapies. Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia may develop after heavy prior therapy.