A new trial has shown that vepdegestrant, a type of investigational drug called a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), can extend progression-free survival for people with previously treated estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The study, known as VERITAC-2, involved 624 patients and found that vepdegestrant outperformed existing treatments in those with ESR1 mutations.
Currently, patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer who have received other treatments have limited options if their disease progresses. Newer therapies are needed to improve outcomes. The VERITAC-2 trial provides support for vepdegestrant as a potential oral treatment option.
Vepdegestrant works by breaking down estrogen receptors on cancer cells, which can help shrink or stop the growth of ER-positive breast cancers. Previous studies have shown promise, but this global phase III clinical trial is the first to study the safety and efficacy of vepdegestrant in patients who have received other treatments.
The study found that patients with ESR1 mutations experienced a median progression-free survival of 5 months when treated with vepdegestrant compared to 2.1 months for those treated with fulvestrant. The clinical benefit rate was also higher for the vepdegestrant group at 42.1% versus 20.2%.
However, severe adverse effects were more common in the vepdegestrant group, and more patients discontinued treatment due to these side effects. Researchers are now sharing the data with global regulatory authorities to potentially support filings for drug approval.
Source: https://ascopost.com/news/may-2025/vepdegestrant-improves-pfs-in-select-patients-with-esr1-mutant-advanced-breast-cancer