Elacestrant: A New Option for Endocrine-Resistant Advanced Breast Cancer at Fosun Chancheng Hospital

At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Fosun Chancheng Hospital signed a strategic cooperation agreement with SciClone Pharmaceuticals, deepening the clinical application of the oral SERD (Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader) drug Elacestrant for treating advanced breast cancer. As the first designated medical institution in Foshan under the "Greater Bay Area Drug and Medical Device Connect" policy, this oral medication, hailed by oncologists as a "new option for endocrine resistance," has brought new hope to local patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.

The Challenge in Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment: Helplessness After Endocrine Resistance

Patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer often rely on endocrine therapy. However, approximately 50% develop resistance within 1-2 years, facing a dilemma of limited options. "After resistance to traditional endocrine therapy, patients might only have chemotherapy left, which not only has significant side effects but also impacts quality of life," explained Professor Zeng Zhiqiang, Director of Breast Surgery at Fosun Chancheng Hospital. He added that some postmenopausal patients, due to physical weakness, cannot even tolerate chemotherapy.

Elacestrant: 3 Key Advantages Reshaping the Endocrine Therapy Landscape

As a globally advanced SERD drug introduced via the "Greater Bay Area Drug and Medical Device Connect" policy, Elacestrant addresses the limitations of traditional treatments through its unique mechanism and design:

1. A "new pathway" for resistant patients: It directly degrades the estrogen receptors on cancer cells rather than merely blocking them. It remains effective for patients whose disease progressed after prior CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment (e.g. Palbociclib), with clinical data showing extended progression-free survival.

2. Convenient oral administration: Taken once daily, it eliminates the need for hospital infusions. Patients can take their medication regularly at home, reducing travel time and avoiding the discomfort of intravenous access.

3. Manageable safety profile: Compared to chemotherapy, its side effects are primarily mild gastrointestinal reactions (e.g. nausea), with less impact on the hematologic system, liver and kidney function. It is generally well tolerated even by elderly patients, without the need for frequent blood monitoring.

Clear Indications: These Patients Can Benefit

According to the "Greater Bay Area" clinical application guidelines and the hospital's prior cases, Elacestrant is primarily suitable for:

1. Patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

2. Patients whose disease progressed after at least one prior line of endocrine therapy (including a CDK4/6 inhibitor).

3. Postmenopausal women (natural or artificial), or premenopausal women receiving concomitant GnRH agonist therapy.

4. Patients intolerant to chemotherapy or those preferring oral treatment to maintain quality of life.

International Patient Experience: From "Chemo-Intolerance" to "Normal Life"

FARIDA, a 35-year-old patient from Kazakhstan, has undergone a six-year battle against cancer. In 2019, she was diagnosed with left breast invasive ductal carcinoma in St. Petersburg, Russia, and received surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the cancer recurred in 2022 with metastases to both lungs and the lumbar spine, forcing her to stop chemotherapy due to severe side effects.

In May of this year, her traditional endocrine therapy failed and the tumor progressed. Fortunately, FARIDA's genetic testing was positive for an ESR1 mutation, indicating a new treatment target. Learning about Fosun Chancheng Hospital's newly introduced oral SERD targeted drug for ESR1 mutations through an international medical platform, she traveled from Kazakhstan to Foshan. She began treatment with Dalpiciclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor) combined with Elacestrant. After one month of treatment, FARIDA's tumor markers decreased significantly, her uncomfortable symptoms alleviated, and her quality of life improved substantially.

World-Class Breast Cancer Treatment Close to Home

The signing at the CIIE signifies that Fosun Chancheng Hospital will further expand the clinical application of Elacestrant. "Through the 'Greater Bay Area Drug and Medical Device Connect' policy, we are bringing globally synchronized breast cancer treatment options to the local level, allowing patients to access advanced oral medications without needing to go to Hong Kong or Macao," Professor Zeng Zhiqiang stated.