Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor abemaciclib-induced cutaneous responses mediated by inflammation

Tugce Boran1, Özce Pala Çamlı2, Mahmoud Abudayyak3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Türkiye.

Toxicology Letters
|August 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Abemaciclib, a breast cancer drug, can cause skin reactions. This study found low doses induce cell death via oxidative inflammation in human skin cells, while higher doses show no effect. Further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Abemaciclib is an FDA-approved cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor for advanced and metastatic breast cancer.
  • Adverse skin reactions like dermatitis are associated with abemaciclib, but the cellular mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Understanding abemaciclib's cellular effects is crucial for managing its side effect profile.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying abemaciclib-induced skin reactions.
  • To evaluate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, necrotic, oxidative stress, and inflammation-inducing potentials of abemaciclib in human keratinocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were treated with varying concentrations of abemaciclib (0-10 µM) for 24 hours.
  • Assays were performed to assess cytotoxicity (IC50), apoptosis/necrosis, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediator secretion (MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α).

Main Results:

  • Abemaciclib induced cytotoxicity with an IC50 ≥ 24.18 µM.
  • Low concentrations (0.1 µM) significantly induced apoptosis, oxidative damage, and increased secretion of inflammatory mediators (MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α).
  • Higher concentrations (1-10 µM) showed diminished or no significant effects on these cellular parameters, with TNF-α increasing at 5 µM but decreasing at 10 µM.

Conclusions:

  • Abemaciclib-induced toxicity in human keratinocytes may occur via oxidative inflammation, leading to cell death, particularly at low concentrations.
  • The observed effects are concentration-dependent, with significant cellular impact noted at 0.1 µM and reduced effects at higher concentrations.
  • These findings highlight the need for comprehensive studies on abemaciclib's risk profile and encourage further research into its cellular mechanisms.

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