CDK4/6 inhibition in early and advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer

Sudha Yarlagadda1, Matheus de Oliveira Andrade2, Rita Nanda1,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are crucial for treating advanced and high-risk early-stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Ongoing research aims to improve outcomes with novel combinations, though predictive biomarkers are still needed.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are a cornerstone therapy for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer.
  • These inhibitors, including abemaciclib and ribociclib, are also approved for high-risk, early-stage HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific basis for CDK4/6 inhibition in HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
  • To summarize pivotal clinical trials leading to regulatory approvals.
  • To discuss ongoing trials exploring novel combinations for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of PubMed MEDLINE from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data and regulatory approvals for CDK4/6 inhibitors.
  • Synthesis of current research on novel therapeutic combinations.

Main Results:

  • CDK4/6 inhibitors are integral to managing both advanced and early-stage HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
  • Predictive biomarkers for CDK4/6 inhibitor benefit are still elusive.
  • Clinical and pathological features are currently key for patient selection in the early-stage setting.

Conclusions:

  • CDK4/6 inhibitors are established treatments for HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
  • Further research is focused on novel combinations to enhance efficacy.
  • Identifying predictive biomarkers remains a critical area for future investigation.

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...
4.6K
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...
5.4K
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...
7.4K
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...
6.3K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
7.2K
Negative Regulator Molecules01:23

Negative Regulator Molecules

Positive regulators allow a cell to advance through cell cycle checkpoints. Negative regulators have an equally important role as they terminate a cell’s progression through the cell cycle—or pause it—until the cell meets specific criteria.
35.0K