Eribulin Mesylate

• Eribulin Mesylate is a chemotherapy drug that inhibits microtubule function, preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing.
• It is primarily indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma.
• The medication is typically administered intravenously in specific cycles.
• Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider for proper management.

What is Eribulin Mesylate and How It Works

Eribulin Mesylate is a synthetic analogue of halichondrin B, a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai. It functions as a microtubule dynamics inhibitor, a type of chemotherapy drug that disrupts the normal functioning of microtubules within cells. Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton, playing a crucial role in cell structure, intracellular transport, and cell division.

The mechanism of action for eribulin mesylate involves binding to the plus ends of microtubules, specifically targeting the tubulin protein. This binding inhibits the growth phase of microtubules without affecting their shortening phase, leading to the formation of non-functional microtubule aggregates. This disruption prevents cancer cells from properly forming their mitotic spindle, which is necessary for cell division. Consequently, cells undergoing mitosis become arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, ultimately leading to programmed cell death, or apoptosis. This explains how eribulin mesylate works to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.

Eribulin Mesylate Uses and Indications

The primary eribulin mesylate uses are in the treatment of specific advanced cancers. It is approved for patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease, including an anthracycline and a taxane. For these patients, eribulin mesylate offers an important treatment option when other therapies have been exhausted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide, underscoring the need for effective treatment strategies.

Additionally, eribulin mesylate is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received prior chemotherapy containing an anthracycline. Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in fat cells, and its advanced forms can be particularly challenging to treat. The availability of eribulin mesylate provides a valuable therapeutic avenue for these patients, aiming to improve outcomes and manage disease progression.

Eribulin Mesylate Side Effects

Like many chemotherapy agents, eribulin mesylate side effects can range from mild to severe. Patients undergoing treatment are closely monitored for these adverse reactions. Common side effects often include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet)
• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count), which can increase the risk of infection
• Constipation
• Fever
• Weight loss

More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe neutropenia with fever, severe peripheral neuropathy, and prolongation of the QT interval, which is an electrical activity in the heart. Patients are advised to report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. Management of side effects often involves supportive care, dose adjustments, or temporary interruptions of treatment to ensure patient safety and maintain quality of life during therapy.