CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer: A real-world and propensity score-adjusted comparison

Introduction/Background

Hormone Receptor-positive (HR+) and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is the most common subtype, predominantly treated with endocrine therapy. The efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy in this context remains to be fully evaluated.

Materials (or Patients) and Methods

This study compared the effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib and ribociclib) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant against endocrine therapy alone in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The main focus was on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The study involved a population treated exclusively with endocrine therapy for bone involvement, examining median OS and PFS, and adjusting for variables like stage, visceral metastasis, age, and treatment line.

Results

The study found no significant OS difference between treatments with palbociclib, ribociclib, and endocrine therapy alone. However, ribociclib combined with letrozole significantly improved PFS over letrozole alone. Propensity score weighting indicated a potential 50 % reduction in death risk with ribociclib compared to palbociclib, though this was not confirmed by cox regression.

Conclusion

CDK4/6 inhibitors, particularly ribociclib in combination with letrozole, show promise in improving outcomes for HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients. While palbociclib may not be superior to traditional endocrine therapy, the results underscore the need for further research. These findings could influence future treatment protocols, emphasizing the importance of personalized therapy in this patient group.