Novel Breast Cancer Therapies: CDK4/6 Inhibitors

STATEMENT OF NEED

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, with 287,850 new cases and 43,250 deaths predicted to occur in 2022 (ACS, 2022). Making up 73% of cases, hormone receptor (HR)"positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)"negative disease is the most common subtype of breast cancer (ACS, 2019). Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are a novel therapeutic option for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. These agents function by halting the cell cycle at the G1-to-S cell cycle checkpoint, blocking a cell division signaling cascade that is overexpressed in HR-positive/HER2-negative disease (Reddy et al, 2022). In this session, Constance Visovsky, PhD, RN, ACNP, FAAN, will clarify the mechanisms by which CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy are thought to hinder cancer progression, including the data that led to the approval of abemaciclib in the early-stage breast cancer setting. In addition, she will discuss strategies to identify side effects of CDK 4/6 inhibitors early and aggressively to minimize toxicity.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, oncologists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to
Assess the indications and safety and efficacy profiles of novel CDK4/6 inhibitors
Evaluate clinical tools for assessing and grading adverse events associated with novel CDK4/6 inhibitors
Apply strategies to optimize the safety and tolerability of novel CDK4/6 inhibitors
Develop educational strategies to help patients understand the benefits and risks of their breast cancer treatment plan