Eribulin in cutaneous breast cancer metastasis treatment: clinical activity and symptom control

Abstract

Aim: This observational study evaluated the behavior and outcome of cutaneous breast cancer metastasis treated with eribulin.

Patients & methods: From November 2012 to January 2013, oncologists completed a database with patient, tumor and treatment characteristics from 14 Italian cancer centers. Skin lesions were assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors and cutaneous symptoms by present/absent criteria.

Results: A total of 23 metastatic breast cancer patients with skin metastasis who were treated with eribulin were analyzed. After treatment, 43% of patients exhibited a partial response, 35% stable disease and 22% progressive disease. Regarding only the skin response, 26% obtained a complete response, 22% a partial response, 39% stable disease and 13% progressive disease. We found an improvement in symptoms, infiltration and ulceration. With a median follow-up of 6 months, median progression-free survival was 4.3 months and median overall survival was 9.1 months.

Conclusion: The response rate of skin metastasis to eribulin treatment was coherent with systemic responses. The good clinical response in most patients reflected symptom improvement.