A Phase 2 study presented at the 2026 ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Congress showed that the combination of palbociclib (Ibrance) and anastrozole may provide an effective treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer.
Among 25 patients enrolled, the objective response rate was 32% at three months, including one complete response and seven partial responses. The clinical benefit rate reached 48% at six months, and median progression-free survival was 6.97 months. Overall survival had not yet been reached after a median follow-up of 20.7 months.
Patients also experienced meaningful improvements in quality of life. Global health status and physical functioning scores increased significantly over six months, while cognitive functioning improved early during treatment.
The combination was generally well tolerated. The most common side effects were anemia, fatigue, and neutropenia. Severe adverse events were mainly blood-related and manageable with dose interruptions or reductions. Researchers concluded the regimen shows strong promise for this patient population.