Palbociclib
Why doctors say breast cancer drug substitution is not a simple swap
The Kerala High Court is hearing a case on whether palbociclib can substitute the more expensive ribociclib for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Both belong to the CDK4/6 inhibitor class, but oncologists — Dr. Ammbulkar among those quoted — caution that they differ in approved indications, trial evidence and outcomes. Ribociclib is approved for both early-stage high-risk and metastatic disease with a demonstrated overall survival benefit; palbociclib is approved for metastatic disease only. The choice must remain a clinical decision.
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