Health Canada approves drug that treats hot flashes for use by breast cancer patients

Health Canada has granted approval for a drug to alleviate moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats in breast cancer patients. The drug, known as Elinzanetant or Lynkuet, was initially authorized in July 2025 for menopausal women but has since been found effective in breast cancer patients as well. Bayer manufactures Elinzanetant, which is a non-hormonal medication targeting specific neurons affected by estrogen deficiency.

Dr. Christine Brezden-Masley, medical director of the cancer program at Sinai Health in Toronto, explains that prior to Elinzanetant, breast cancer patients had limited options for managing hot flashes and night sweats, as they couldn't take hormone replacement therapy. The drug's clinical trial involved breast cancer patients undergoing anti-estrogen therapy, making it the first of its kind.

Breast cancer patients typically remain on anti-estrogen pills for five to ten years, often prescribed by medications like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Hot flashes and night sweats can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, often leading them to discontinue cancer treatment to alleviate the symptoms. Dr. Dave Cescon, a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, emphasizes that menopausal symptoms have historically been inadequately addressed in breast cancer patients.

Health Canada's approval of Elinzanetant as a viable treatment option for hot flashes and night sweats in women with breast cancer is expected to provide much-needed relief, as reported by a spokesperson for Bayer. Currently, the drug is not publicly funded in Canada and lacks a specified price.