CDK4/6 inhibitor after surgery for high-risk hormone-positive breast cancer
Lowers the chance of the cancer coming back.
What studies found
In the NATALEE trial of 5,101 adults with stage II or III hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, adding ribociclib to an aromatase inhibitor raised three-year invasive disease-free survival to 90.7% from 87.6%; the FDA approved it in September 2024. The American Cancer Society lists ribociclib for three years for high-risk stage II or III cancer, and abemaciclib for two years when lymph nodes are involved.
The catch
Whether it helps people live longer is not yet known.
What to do
If your cancer is hormone-positive with a higher risk of returning, ask whether a CDK4/6 inhibitor fits.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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