#Breast Cancer #N/A #Thailand #NERLYNX

NERLYNX: A Game-Changer in Breast Cancer Treatment in Thailand

In a significant advancement in oncology, the Thailand FDA has approved NERLYNX (neratinib) as a treatment for early-stage and advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. As a promising oral medication, NERLYNX is designed to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence significantly and enhance disease-free survival among women. This approval represents a vital step forward for breast cancer patients in Thailand, offering them access to a therapy that has demonstrated superior benefits in clinical trials.

What is NERLYNX?

NERLYNX is an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets specific signals involved in the growth of breast cancer cells. Its approval as a standalone treatment marks a turning point for adult patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive HER2-overexpressed breast cancer who have undergone adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapies. Additionally, NERLYNX is also sanctioned for use in combination with capecitabine for treating advanced cases, demonstrating its versatility in addressing various stages of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Clinical Evidence Supporting NERLYNX

The clinical efficacy of NERLYNX was established through the ExteNET and NALA studies. The ExteNET trial involving 2,840 patients showed that women positive for HER2, especially those who began treatment within a year of completing trastuzumab therapy, experienced a remarkable 42% reduction in their five-year recurrence risk when treated with NERLYNX as opposed to a placebo. Meanwhile, the NALA study confirmed that combining NERLYNX with capecitabine improved progression-free survival by 2.2 months compared to lapatinib plus capecitabine. These results underscore the significant potential of NERLYNX to improve outcomes for patients battling this formidable disease.

The Growing Burden of Breast Cancer in Thailand

Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer among Thai women, accounting for over 23% of all new cancer diagnoses in females. Alarmingly, the incidence rates have doubled in the past two decades, highlighting an urgent need for effective therapies. In 2022 alone, more than 21,600 Thai women were diagnosed with the disease, reinforcing the significance of NERLYNX's approval in providing these patients with additional treatment options and hope.

Specialised Therapeutics Expands in Thailand

The approval of NERLYNX aligns with the expansion of Specialised Therapeutics (ST), the company behind this treatment, into the Thai market. As they prepare to introduce NERLYNX to oncologists and healthcare providers, the company is set to hire field force employees who possess extensive knowledge of the local medical landscape, thereby facilitating smoother collaborations and efficient patient access to this innovative therapy.

Conclusion

The arrival of NERLYNX on the Thai market heralds a new era for breast cancer treatment within the country. Its ability to significantly reduce recurrence risks and improve disease-free survival signifies hope for many affected by this disease. With Specialised Therapeutics committed to addressing the critical needs of patients, this advancement exemplifies the importance of ongoing research and development in creating effective treatments against cancer. The healthcare community eagerly anticipates the broader impact that NERLYNX will have in Vietnam as it strives to improve patient care and outcomes in the realm of breast cancer.

In Summary

NERLYNX presents a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment, particularly for women with HER2-positive malignancies. With the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Thailand and the promising clinical data supporting NERLYNX, the approval is a beacon of hope for patients and healthcare providers alike, paving the way for better management of this challenging disease.