CDK4/6 INHIBITORS FOR BREAST CANCER
CDK4/6 inhibitors are a class of medicines used to treat breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive.
Around 70 to 80% of breast cancers are hormone receptor positive. These cancers have receptors for the female hormones oestrogen and/or progesterone on the inside of the cancer cells and are stimulated to grow by these hormones.
CDK4/6 inhibitors work by interfering with the process cancer cells divide and multiple, through targeting specific proteins (the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, abbreviated as CDK4/6 proteins) found inside cancer cells.
CDK4/6 inhibitors may be recommended after other breast cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy have been completed. It is used for early-stage node-positive hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancers with a high risk of recurrence.
There are several different types of CDK4/6 inhibitors. Currently, abemaciclib is the only one listed on the PBS for use in early-stage breast cancer.
Abemaciclib (Verzenio)
Abemaciclib is taken as a tablet twice a day for 2 years, in combination with endocrine therapy.
Side Effects
Common
- Low white blood cell, red blood cell or platelet counts
- Nausea & vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
Uncommon
- Liver problems
- Blood clots in veins in the legs or lungs
Rare
- Lung inflammation
