CDK4/6 as a Therapeutic Target in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Cells-Current Treatment Status

Kamila Krupa1, Anna Liszcz-Tymoszuk1, Natalia Czerw1

  • 1Students' Scientific Organization of Cancer Cell Biology, Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland.

Cancers
|March 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

CDK4/6 inhibitors like palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib have improved HR+/HER2- breast cancer treatment. This review details their efficacy, safety, and potential use of dalpiciclib.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is a leading global neoplasm with diverse subtypes.
  • Hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 expression influence treatment strategies.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors represent a significant advancement in HR+/HER2- breast cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the clinical efficacy and safety of CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib) for HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
  • To compare the effectiveness, dosage, and adverse effects of approved CDK4/6 inhibitors.
  • To discuss the potential role of dalpiciclib in breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trials (e.g., PALOMA, MONALEESA, MONARCH, MonarchE, NATALEE).
  • Analysis of data on drug efficacy, safety profiles, and treatment recommendations.
  • Comparative assessment of palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib.

Main Results:

  • Palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib are established treatments for HR+/HER2- breast cancer, used in combination or monotherapy.
  • Clinical trials have elucidated differences in their effectiveness, dosing, and side effect profiles.
  • Ongoing research, including adjuvant therapy studies, continues to refine their application.

Conclusions:

  • CDK4/6 inhibitors have transformed HR+/HER2- breast cancer management.
  • Understanding individual drug profiles is crucial for optimal patient care.
  • Dalpiciclib shows promise for future breast cancer treatment options.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...