Eribulin versus dacarbazine in previously treated patients with advanced liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma: a randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trial

RCT (n=252) found that overall survival was significantly improved in patients on eribulin vs. dacarbazine (13.5 vs 11.5 months; HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.62–0.95; p=0.0169). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were more common in eribulin group (67% vs. 56%), as were deaths (4% vs 1%).

A commentary notes that given the low number of objective responses, eribulin is not attractive as a first-line option for advanced soft-tissue sarcoma. It questions if it has a place as part of combination therapy, and if so, should it be used in combination or sequenced with other systemic treatments, and with which other drugs. It calls for further study of mode of action of eribulin and identification of biomarkers to guide patient selection and establish its place in the algorithm of treatments for relapse.