TITLE:
Palbociclib in First-Line vs Second-Line Treatment for HR+/HER2− Metastatic Breast Cancer: Real-World Evidence from a Moroccan Cohort
AUTHORS:
Chaymae Chbihi, Hafssa El Hilali, Samia El Hakym, Diango Keita, Sara Nejjari, Lamiae Amaadour, Karima Oualla, Zineb Benbrahim, Samia Arifi, Nawfel Mellas
KEYWORDS:
Metastatic Breast Cancer, HR+/HER2−, Palbociclib, CDK4/6 Inhibitors, Real-World Study
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.17 No.2,
February
2,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, has significantly improved outcomes in patients with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer. While its efficacy has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, real-world comparative data between first-line (1L) and second-line (2L) use remain limited. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 55 patients treated with palbociclib between January 2020 and June 2024. Patients were classified into a first-line group (n = 30; palbociclib plus aromatase inhibitor) and a second-line group (n = 25; palbociclib plus fulvestrant). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The mean age was 52.4 years. Median PFS was significantly longer in the first-line group compared with the second-line group (19 vs. 8 months; p Conclusion: This real-world study supports the superiority of palbociclib when used in the first-line setting, reinforcing the benefit of early CDK4/6 inhibitor integration in the treatment sequence.