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Recent progress of CDK4/6 inhibitors' current practice in breast cancer
Xueqing Wang1, Shanshan Zhao1, Qinghan Xin2
1Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Abstract:
Dysregulated cellular proliferation represents a hallmark feature across all cancers. Aberrant activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) pathway, independent of mitogenic signaling, engenders uncontrolled breast cancer cell proliferation. Consequently, the advent of CDK4/6 inhibition has constituted a pivotal milestone in the realm of targeted breast cancer therapy. The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) with endocrine therapy (ET) has emerged as the foremost therapeutic modality for patients afflicted with hormone receptor-positive (HR + )/HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer. At present, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sanctioned various CDK4/6i for employment as the primary treatment regimen in HR + /HER2- breast cancer. This therapeutic approach has demonstrated a substantial extension of progression-free survival (PFS), often amounting to several months, when administered alongside endocrine therapy. Within this comprehensive review, we systematically evaluate the utilization strategies of CDK4/6i across various subpopulations of breast cancer and explore potential therapeutic avenues following disease progression during application of CDK4/6i therapy.
Insights
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy are a key treatment for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, significantly improving progression-free survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Uncontrolled cellular proliferation is a hallmark of cancer.
- Aberrant activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) pathway drives breast cancer cell proliferation.
- CDK4/6 inhibition represents a significant advancement in targeted breast cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current utilization strategies of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in various breast cancer subpopulations.
- To explore therapeutic options following disease progression during CDK4/6i therapy.
- To highlight the efficacy of CDK4/6i combined with endocrine therapy (ET) in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data on CDK4/6 inhibitors.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
Main Results:
- The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine therapy is the primary treatment for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.
- FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors are established as a first-line treatment regimen.
- This combination therapy significantly extends progression-free survival by several months.
Conclusions:
- CDK4/6 inhibitors are a pivotal therapeutic modality for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.
- Understanding utilization strategies and post-progression therapies is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Continued research into CDK4/6 inhibition holds promise for further advancements in breast cancer treatment.
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