Approval for drug Kisqali expanded to treat earlier stages of disease

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Kisqali, a drug for metastatic breast cancer, for patients with earlier stages of the disease, marking a significant milestone in breast cancer treatment. Clinical trials showed that Kisqali reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 25-28.5% when used in combination with standard treatments. This expanded approval provides thousands of women with early-stage breast cancer the opportunity to reduce the risk of their cancer returning. Kisqali is effective for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in stage two and three diagnoses, and may have fewer side effects compared to other drugs in the same class. With rates of breast cancer increasing in younger women, this approval offers hope for patients like Nikki Odum, who found Kisqali beneficial in preventing cancer recurrence after undergoing standard treatments. Although the drug is expensive, expanded insurance coverage may help alleviate the financial burden for patients. Despite some criticisms of the study showing only a 3% benefit, many patients and doctors believe that having the option of using Kisqali can provide peace of mind and potentially prolong life. It is essential for patients to have choices in their treatment options, and the expanded approval of Kisqali marks a significant advancement in breast cancer care.

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