Hi fellow MBC’ers:
If IBrance stops working the next line of treatment is typically not preferred but necessary. Plus, we know the longer you can stay on your first line of treatment, the better. Dana Farber’s research shows that a 7 week “holiday” from IBrance then restarting results in IBrance working again.
dana-farber.org/newsroom/ne...
Questions:
1. Has anyone tried this approach? If so, please share your story.
2. How long have you been on IBrance?
Thank you!
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Thanks so much for sharing.
This is interesting. I didn't know of the study. For me, when I found out via an MRI of my hip, for another doc, that Ibrance had clearly stopped working, I had 3 more weeks of Ibrance (oncologist thought I might as well still take it while we sorted out our plan), and 2 weeks of no treatment before I started Lynparza. In that 5 weeks I felt myself physically declining, and noticeable pain started that was not an issue at the time of the MRI. So 7 weeks of no treatment personally, for me, would have felt like too long. Fortunately the Lynparza has been great. If I only had had the option of treatment with lots of side effects perhaps I would've tried the "Ibrance holiday" option to see if it worked though.
I’ve been on Ibrance 4 years and it is still working.
I recently had cataract surgery and was “off” Ibrance for two weeks. It was a nice break…seven weeks is better. It’s worth a try… thanks for the heads up.
Hi Tam-56: The study only looked at those with progression while using IBrance, then a 7 week holiday from Ibrance. Apparently, the cancer “forgets” that it was resistant to Ibrance so when Ibrance is restarted, it is effective again.
This goes without saying, but to eliminate any confusion, I wouldn’t suggest an Ibrance holiday if it continues to work & you have no evidence of progression.
Glad Ibrance is continuing to work for you!
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Yes I would definitely proceed with caution. But it is encouraging that they may be able to examine exomes by a blood test to see if they are becoming resistant earlier before progression is reflected on scans. One more tool in our toolbox! 🙏
I've been on ibrance nearly two years and I'm now stable. Markers still going down. That's interesting information, thank you. X
Hi, Were you on Ibrance alone? I was originally on Ibrance and Anastrozole for 9 months but the Anastorzole was discontinued due to serious side effects. I have been taking Ibrance only 5 months and a PET scan showed that I was in remission 2 weeks ago. The metastisized breast cancer is in my bones, yet the new PET scan showed only scarring from "healing". I am to continue with only Ibrance. Is this something anyone has heard of?
I have been on Ibrance, Xgeva Faslodex since 4/2019. Currently, NEAD. Very thankful.
Hi Miss Hope, I’m in that position to consider this. I have been on Ibrance for just 20 months and my neck lymph node growing visible,markers are rising, bones starting to ache more. I am not sure if I am brave enough to take a drug holiday and hope things don’t spiral. My oncologist says “ it is easier for me to keep you well than to rescue you once you are very sick” But I do have to make as change so I will ask him about this… and it would be nice to do it as part of a study to help others decide in the future. Next up capecitobene…I think.
Dear Hopenow! The IBrance holiday had been described to me when I went to Dartmouth Hitchcock Lebanon hospital last year….we were just talking hypothetically during a consult when I was expressing concern about potential treatment and failures. Apparently this is “a thing” that has been working for patients. I can understand the concern and fear of being without treatment for 7 weeks but don’t forget that aromatase inhibitors are still in play and have always been one of the first types of meds for MBC. Nevertheless, I always restart my IBrance 3 weeks with a sigh of relief. It has been working for nearly 2 years and I’m so grateful for the way it has changed my world. Another important thing is to remember that there are many treatments out there and more being developed …in the meantime, we need to stay focused on living and stay positive. Best wishes to all😘😘
I had bone only mets and was on Ibrance/Arimidex for 11 months before I had progression to the liver. My onc at that time immediately took me off Ibrance and I was off it for 8 weeks while I transferred my care to UCSF and enrolled in a clinical trial. Like 13plus, I felt myself physically declining during that time. I eventually got enrolled in the trial and randomized to treatment with Kisqali (another CDK 4/6 inhibitor like Ibrance) and an investigational oral SERD. Within the first 28 day treatment cycle I started feeling a lot better. I don’t think that it’s possible to know if it’s the CDK 4/6 inhibitor or the hormone treatment that has failed as they work together. While Ibrance, Kisqali and Verzinio are all in the same drug class, there does seem to be increasing evidence that they work slightly differently. I feel fortunate that I found an oncologist that was willing to try a different CDK 4/6 inhibitor and not immediately push me onto oral chemo and leave the CDK 4/6 inhibitors in the rear view mirror!
Thank you for sharing your story! So glad your treatment is working for you! Do you know when the Oral SERDs will be available to the rest of us?
I’ve decided if a change in therapy is recommended, I’ll get a 2nd opinion from Dana Farber or MD Anderson Houston. Just want to know all the options & pros/cons of each before I decide. Too much at stake not to be our own advocates. ❤️🙏❤️
mets to right pleura and pleurodesis dx July 2015. pleural effusion end of July 2015. treatment: Ibrance, Anastrozole (Letrozole), Zoladex (Lupron), started August 2015. (original med) still on first line of treatment. i go on "Ibrance vacations," as needed; finishing one now. stable/NEAD since March 2016.
Can you please be a bit more specific? What exactly do you mean by vacations "as needed"? How often have you taken vacations? For how long each time? How do you decide it's time for a vacation? Thanks!
I’m not sure if you are asking me this question or not. Here’s my experience: The Dana Farber study says 7 weeks off Ibrance (vacation) WHEN your scans show new cancer. Then restart. The cancer reacts to it immediately like it hasn’t seen Ibrance before. I am currently stable NEAD since 2019 with one scan showing cancer progression. I took a 7 week Ibrance vacation in 2021 & have remained stable since with no change of meds. I’ve posted the Dana Farber study on this community several times. You can look at my posts on my profile to find it.
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the "as needed" refers to how well this mind-body is doing... injury (still active), sinus, allergies. Ibrance affects a small percentage of people with sinusitis, i am one of them. there is no set amount of time to the 'vacations' i take. i have taken more time in between cycles of Ibrance, sometimes a month. and, i was off it for @ 3months in 2020 while healing from a broken wrist. i am thankful for a supportive medical/well being team that trusts how well i know this mind-body and what it needs.
I have been taking Ibrance for 3.5 years. The last 3 months I have been experiencing extreme bone pain. I’m scheduled for scans in a week. I keep wondering what I will do next? Some days I really get tired of it all , especially the pain. I will let you know how it goes here and I’m interested in your progress. Best of luck.
Hi Sancarlos: When I had bone pain, they did an MRI with contrast & saw small bits of cancer still in my pelvic area. They did radiation & it took away all my pain. If it’s right for you, it’s the quickest, least invasive solution to the problem. If they radiate the area it clears the way for your bones to heal without interference. Are you also on Xgeva for bone strengthening? I was told to add 1200mg of calcium & 5000 mg of vitamin D daily to help the Xgeva work best. Praying for good results for you!❤️🙏❤️
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