Breast cancer claims approximately 670,000 lives annually. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer in women in 157 out of 185 countries in 2022. Over 2 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial, as is the development of targeted drugs to combat cancerous cells. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kisqali, also known as ribociclib, for the early-stage treatment of breast cancer. This drug is approved for use in combination with hormone therapy for early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly those concerned about cancer recurrence. The FDA statement confirmed the approval of ribociclib with an aromatase inhibitor for the adjuvant treatment of adults with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative stage II and III early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. The FDA also approved the ribociclib and letrozole co-pack for the same indication. Kisqali functions as a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, which inhibits proteins CDK4 and CDK6 to slow cancer progression. It will be administered as an oral pill for three weeks followed by a one-week break, to continue for three years. The recommended daily oral dose is 400 mg, which can be taken with or without food.Kisqali Ed: Side Effects

Some common side effects linked to Kisqali medication include decreased white blood cell count known as neutropenia, which is characterized by lower levels of neutrophils that play a vital role in fighting infections in the body. Another potential side effect of Kisqali is liver-related complications and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis.

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