Breast cancer claims the lives of approximately 670,000 individuals each year. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer among women in 157 out of 185 countries in 2022. Each year, over 2 million women receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Therefore, early detection of this lethal disease is crucial, along with the development of drugs that target cancerous cells.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kisqali for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Also known as ribociclib, this drug has been authorized for use in combination with hormone therapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer. This approval is particularly beneficial for patients concerned about cancer recurrence.
Ribociclib (Kisqali, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) has been approved by the FDA 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. Additionally, the FDA has approved the co-pack of ribociclib and letrozole (Kisqali Femara Co-Pack, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) for the same indication.
Kisqali, or ribociclib, is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, a type of drug that helps slow down cancer progression by inhibiting proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). When these proteins are overly active, cancer cells can proliferate too rapidly. By precisely targeting CDK4/6, the drug may help prevent uncontrollable cancer cell replication.
Kisqali is administered orally in the form of a pill. It is typically prescribed for three weeks followed by a one-week break, to be continued for a total of three years. The pill can be taken with or without food, with a daily recommended oral dose of 400 mg.Kisqali Edition: Side Effects
Common side effects of the medication Kisqali may include a decrease in white blood cell count known as neutropenia. Neutropenia is characterized by reduced levels of neutrophils in the blood, which are vital for fighting infections in the body. Additionally, Kisqali may lead to liver complications and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis.
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