Palbociclib (PD 0332991) is generating significant excitement according to an April 6th online article from the New York Times. The article cites the results of a recently reported phase II trial in which women with metastatic breast cancer were randomized to receive letrozole plus palbociclib or letrozole alone. Women receiving the combination had their risk of progression cut in half compared to the group that received letrozole alone. These results come roughly one year after the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to palbociclib, which may help speed up the drug approval process.
Palbociclib is a highly specific oral drug that binds to and inhibits a specific subtype of enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). The same enzymes are critical to the development and progression of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Investigators at Weill Cornell Medical College have been leading the evaluation of palbociclib in MCL. Within the next month, we will open a phase I trial evaluating the combination of palbociclib plus ibrutinib in patients with previously treated MCL. For additional information regarding the upcoming trial or other trials in lymphoma, call Amelyn Rodriguez, RN at (212) 746-1362 or e-mail Amelyn at amr2017@med.cornell.edu.
New Developments in Lymphoma 