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New research found a drug whose efficacy to treat breast cancer has also been proven successful in combating other potential cancers when used in combination with endocrine therapy. The drug, palbocicilib, prevents speedy division of tumor cells by restricting the enzyme, CDK4 and CDK6, activity. It is these enzymes that accelerate the division of cells and the increase the chances of cancer, said the study. "All living cells undergo cell division and palbociclib's unique capacity to halt the cell division process (also known as the 'cell cycle') therefore has potentially broad applicability," said the study's lead author Amy Clark, assistant professor at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania in the US. "Pairing palbociclib with other anti-cancer therapies such as endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy can create a powerful combinatorial effect with real promise for addressing a variety of cancers," Ms. Clark noted, as reported by NDTV.

130 publications relevant to the study have been evaluated as well as interpretation of their own on-going study has helped the research team in revealing the safety and effectiveness of this drug in fighting certain types of breast cancer. The early trials of the drug palbociclib have shown promising results in its success against cases of sarcoma, lymphoma, tumors, teratoma, that even though are rare, may impact the younger patients. A 2-phase trial showed that 17 patients who were previously undergoing treatment for mantle-cell lymphoma resulted in one complete response through palbociclib and also two partial responses. The average progression-free survival lasted for 4-months on an average. However, five patients had the progression-free survival greater than a year. Another phase 2 trial on patients suffering from sarcoma, 29 patients treated with palbociclib showed progression-free survival rates of 66%, said the researchers. The findings of the study were published in the journal JAMA Oncology, as reported by DNA India.