Dr Chen on the Evolution of Novel Therapies in Breast Cancer

Nan Chen, MD, assistant professor, medicine, hematology and oncology (cancer), University of Chicago, UChicago Medicine, discusses the future of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with estrogen (ER)–positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

A variety of cell cycle inhibitors, including CDK4, CDK6, CDK2, and CDK7 inhibitors, are emerging in breast cancer treatment, Chen begins. These inhibitors hold promise when used in combination with existing endocrine therapies and novel therapies in development, potentially leading to more effective treatment regimens in the future, she explains. One goal of current breast cancer research is to explore combinations that offer enhanced efficacy and may replace current treatment standards, Chen says.

Treatments for advanced ER-positive breast cancer following CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy are dynamic and evolving, she expands, saying that there is a growing arsenal of genomic-driven therapies tailored to specific patient populations. As new therapies become available, the sequencing of these treatments becomes critical to optimize outcomes and simultaneously minimize toxicity, according to Chen. Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response and to refine treatment sequencing strategies based on individual patient characteristics, Chen reports.

In the realm of ER-positive breast cancer, CDK4/6 inhibitors continue to serve as a foundational therapy in advanced disease stages; these inhibitors are also making headway in early-stage disease, she continues. Ongoing trials will provide valuable insights into which patient subgroups benefit most from these agents, Chen explains. In the metastatic setting post–CDK4/6 inhibition, there is a diverse array of approved therapies, with a growing emphasis on genomic-guided treatment selection, Chen emphasizes. Additionally, personalized genomic information is increasingly important in guiding treatment decisions for each patient, Chen notes.

Looking ahead, the focus of many breast cancer studies is on integrating newer agents and combination strategies into breast cancer care, she states. The advent of targeted therapies and innovative combinations offers hope for improved outcomes and reduced toxicity for patients, and as research progresses and more data emerge from clinical trials, breast cancer treatment will continue to evolve, Chen concludes.