What Is Eribulin Used For?

Eribulin is licensed for the treatment of breast cancer in people age 18 and older. Using this drug for treating other types of cancer or in combination with other types of chemotherapy would be considered off-label (unapproved) uses of eribulin. This prescription medication works by preventing the cancer cells from dividing and by killing cancer cells.

An Overview of Uses for Eribulin

 Eribulin mesylate (Halaven™) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of breast cancer. It is reserved for "refractory" cases of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread) that have not responded adequately to at least two previous regimens of chemotherapy.
 
Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer, except for skin cancer. Each year, more than 211,000 American women learn that they have breast cancer. Most breast cancer causes are unknown. In 5 to 10 percent of these cases, there is a hereditary component.
 
Some common breast cancer symptoms include:
 
  • A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
  • A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  • Nipple tenderness
  • A change in how the breast or nipple looks
  • A change in the size or shape of the breast
  • A nipple turned inward into the breast
  • Nipple discharge (fluid).
 
In general, breast cancer treatment options can include:
 
 
The best treatments can vary by the stages of breast cancer (see Breast Cancer Treatment by Stage).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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