CDK4/6 inhibitors for breast cancer treatment
At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we are committed to offering advanced and personalised treatment options for breast cancer. CDK4/6 inhibitors are an innovative therapy that has transformed the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, this treatment could be an important part of your care plan.
What are CDK4/6 inhibitors?
CDK4/6 inhibitors are targeted drugs that block specific proteins (cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6) responsible for helping cancer cells divide and grow. By slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells, these inhibitors can control the progression of breast cancer, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages.
These drugs are often used alongside hormone therapy, making them a powerful combination for managing certain types of breast cancer.
Who can benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitors?
CDK4/6 inhibitors are primarily used to treat hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, which is one of the most common types of breast cancer. You may benefit from this treatment if:
- Your cancer is advanced or metastatic and has spread to other parts of your body.
- You have not responded well to hormone therapy alone.
- You are newly diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and are seeking an effective first-line treatment option.
Your oncologist will assess your specific diagnosis and overall health to determine whether CDK4/6 inhibitors are suitable for you.
How do CDK4/6 inhibitors work?
CDK4/6 inhibitors target the proteins CDK4 and CDK6, which are essential for cell division. These proteins are overactive in many breast cancer cells, causing them to grow and spread quickly.
By blocking CDK4/6, these drugs slow the cancer’s growth, giving hormone therapy a better chance to work. This combination approach can significantly delay the progression of breast cancer and improve your quality of life.
Common CDK4/6 inhibitors used in breast cancer treatment
Several CDK4/6 inhibitors are approved for breast cancer treatment in the UK, including:
- Palbociclib (Ibrance): Often used with hormone therapy, such as letrozole or fulvestrant, to treat advanced breast cancer.
- Ribociclib (Kisqali): Frequently combined with hormone therapy to improve outcomes in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
- Abemaciclib (Verzenios): Used alongside hormone therapy and also as a single agent for patients who cannot tolerate other treatments.
Your oncologist will recommend the most appropriate CDK4/6 inhibitor based on your individual circumstances.
What to expect during treatment
CDK4/6 inhibitors are typically taken as oral tablets. Your treatment plan will involve:
- Regular monitoring: You will have blood tests and scans to ensure the treatment is working effectively and to monitor for side effects.
- Combination therapy: CDK4/6 inhibitors are often paired with hormone therapy to maximise their effectiveness.
- Daily routine: You will take the tablets at home, making this a convenient option for many patients.
Your care team will provide clear instructions on how to take the medication and what to expect during treatment.
Managing side effects
Like all treatments, CDK4/6 inhibitors can cause side effects. The most common include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea or appetite changes
- Diarrhoea
- Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), which may increase your risk of infections
- Hair thinning
Our team will help you manage these side effects with practical advice and support. Regular monitoring will ensure any side effects are promptly addressed, keeping you as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment.
Benefits of CDK4/6 inhibitors
CDK4/6 inhibitors have become a game-changer in the treatment of certain breast cancers, offering several benefits:
- Slowing cancer progression and improving survival rates.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of hormone therapy.
- Allowing for a more convenient, at-home treatment option with oral tablets.
- Providing an effective first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer.
Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?
At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we combine expert care with the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. Here’s why patients trust us:
- Personalised care: Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific diagnosis and needs.
- Expert team: Our experienced oncologists are skilled in managing advanced therapies like CDK4/6 inhibitors.
- Comprehensive support: From diagnosis to recovery, we provide compassionate care at every stage of your journey.
- Access to innovation: We offer cutting-edge treatments and stay at the forefront of breast cancer research to provide the best outcomes for our patients.
Contact us
If you would like to learn more about CDK4/6 inhibitors or discuss your breast cancer treatment options, contact Birmingham Breast Clinic today.
We are here to provide expert care and personalised support, helping you take confident steps forward in your treatment journey.
