The CDK4/6 inhibitor revolution - a game-changing era for breast cancer treatment

• Published in: Nature reviews. Clinical oncology Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 89
• Main Authors: Morrison, Laura, Loibl, Sibylle, Turner, Nicholas C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.02.2024
• Subjects: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms - genetics; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 - pharmacology; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 - therapeutic use; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 - therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Protein Kinase Inhibitors - pharmacology; Protein Kinase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Receptor, ErbB-2
• ISSN: 1759-4782
• DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00840-4

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibition in combination with endocrine therapy is the standard-of-care treatment for patients with advanced-stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2 non-amplified (HR HER2 ) breast cancer. These agents can also be administered as adjuvant therapy to patients with higher-risk early stage disease. Nonetheless, the clinical success of these agents has created several challenges, such as how to address acquired resistance, identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from therapy prior to treatment, and understanding the optimal timing of administration and sequencing of these agents. In this Review, we describe the rationale for targeting CDK4/6 in patients with breast cancer, including a summary of updated clinical evidence and how this should inform clinical practice. We also discuss ongoing research efforts that are attempting to address the various challenges created by the widespread implementation of these agents.