Elacentra

Indications

Elacestrant is an oral cancer medicine used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is oestrogen receptor (ER) positive and HER2 negative, with a change (mutation) in the ESR1 gene, in postmenopausal women and in men whose disease has grown after at least one earlier hormone (endocrine) treatment.

How It Works

Many breast cancers use the hormone oestrogen to grow. Elacestrant attaches to the oestrogen receptor on the cancer cells, blocks it and causes the receptor to be broken down. This is why it is called a selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD). It still works when the ESR1 mutation makes the cancer resistant to some other hormone treatments.

Dosage and Administration

Elacestrant is a specialist cancer medicine and is taken exactly as prescribed by the oncologist, usually once a day with food at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not change or stop the dose without advice. The doctor may lower the dose if side effects occur.

Interactions

• Strong or moderate CYP3A4 blockers such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Clarithromycin can raise its levels; avoid unless the doctor advises
• Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin can lower its effect
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided
• It may raise levels of some other medicines such as Rosuvastatin and Digoxin

Contraindications

• Allergy to Elacestrant or any ingredient

Side Effects

Common effects include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, hot flushes and raised blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

Get urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, severe or persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chest pain, or sudden swelling and pain in a leg.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Elacestrant can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose; men with female partners should also use contraception for the same period. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.

Precautions and Warnings

Blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) are checked before and during treatment. Use with care in liver disease; the dose may need lowering. Nausea is common and may need anti-sickness medicine. Keep all oncology appointments and blood tests.

Overdose

An overdose may increase side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Contact a doctor or hospital at once; treatment is supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Antineoplastic hormone therapy; selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in the original pack and out of the reach of children.