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Short answer Starting alpelisib: what to know Common questions Related questions SourcesAlpelisib is a targeted cancer medicine that treats PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer (brand name Piqray, given with fulvestrant) and PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, or PROS (brand name Vijoice).
It blocks PI3K alpha, a signaling protein that drives growth when the PIK3CA gene is mutated, so an FDA-approved test showing that mutation is required before you start. For breast cancer, it is used in postmenopausal women and in men whose hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative cancer has progressed on endocrine therapy. For PROS, it is used in people age 2 and older whose overgrowth is severe enough to need medicine that works throughout the body. High blood sugar is the most common serious effect, so your team checks fasting glucose and A1c before treatment and repeats testing during it. Taking each dose with food at the same time daily, keeping your glucose log, and calling at the first sign of a rash keep most people on schedule.
Starting alpelisib: what to know
Common questions
What is Alpelisib used for?
Alpelisib is a targeted cancer medicine that blocks PI3K alpha, a protein that signals some cells to grow. As Piqray, it is taken with fulvestrant for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer that carries a PIK3CA mutation, after endocrine therapy stops working. As Vijoice, it treats severe PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum in people age 2 and older who need systemic therapy. Both uses require a lab test confirming a PIK3CA mutation. You swallow the tablets once a day with food, and your care team checks blood sugar before and during treatment because alpelisib often raises glucose.