Breast cancer causes roughly 670,000 deaths yearly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer in women in 157 of the 185 countries surveyed in 2022. More than 2 million women receive a breast cancer diagnosis annually. Detecting this deadly disease early and developing a drug that targets cancer cells is crucial. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kisqali, also known as ribociclib, for early-stage breast cancer treatment. This drug, when used alongside hormone therapy, is beneficial for early-stage breast cancer patients worried about cancer recurrence. The FDA has approved ribociclib (Kisqali, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ) with an aromatase inhibitor for the adjuvant treatment of adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative stage II and III early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. Moreover, the FDA has authorized the ribociclib and letrozole co-pack (Kisqali Femara Co-Pack, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) for the same purpose. Kisqali, also known as ribociclib, is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. This type of drug helps to slow cancer progression by blocking two proteins known as cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), as per Novartis, the drug manufacturer. These proteins, when overly active, can allow cancer cells to multiply rapidly. Precise targeting of CDK4/6 may help prevent cancer cells from uncontrollably replicating. Kisqali is taken orally in the form of a pill. It is usually prescribed for three weeks followed by a one-week break, to be continued for three years. The drug can be taken with or without food, and a daily oral dose of 400 mg is recommended.Kisqali Edition: Adverse Effects
Kisqali medication is typically linked to common side effects like low white blood cell count or neutropenia, which involves decreased levels of neutrophils crucial for fighting infections in the body. Additionally, potential side effects of Kisqali include liver problems and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis. Breast Cancer: Warning Signs to Watch Out For Early On