Case-Based Discussion: CDK4/6 Inhibitor Use in Early Breast Cancer

In this episode, Case-Based Discussion: CDK4/6 Inhibitor Use in Early Breast Cancer, the breast cancer experts explore a case that covers a 52-year-old postmenopausal woman with stage IIA, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma who underwent lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy revealing micrometastatic nodal involvement and a Ki-67 level of 25%. In a scenario like this, pharmacists play an important role in reviewing pathology results, evaluating eligibility for systemic therapies, assessing drug interactions, and educating patients on treatment options. Additional clinical details—such as genomic assay results, comorbidities, current medications, and patient preferences—may further inform treatment decisions. Faculty discussed whether this patient could be a candidate for adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy with agents such as abemaciclib or ribociclib. The panel also highlighted how clinicians may select between these agents based on risk features, supporting clinical trial

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

The next episode in this series, Managing QTc Prolongation With CDK4/6 Inhibitor Therapy: A Case-Based Discussion, features the panelists advancing their conversation on the management of QTc prolongation in a patient with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer receiving an aromatase inhibitor plus ribociclib. Faculty discuss the pharmacist’s role in evaluating risk factors, gathering additional clinical information, determining appropriate management strategies—including potential therapy adjustments or switching CDK4/6 inhibitors—and establishing an appropriate monitoring plan moving forward.