CDK Inhibitors Management

ADVERSE EVENT MANAGEMENT FOR CDK INHIBITORS IN HORMONE RECEPTOR POSITIVE BREAST CANCER

CDK 4/6 inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape for patients with early and metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer, offering significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall outcomes, especially when combined with hormone therapy. Despite their demonstrated efficacy, these therapies can be associated with treatment-related adverse events, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, neutropenia, and anemia, which require careful management to ensure adherence and preserve quality of life. Managing these therapies comes with challenges, particularly in the community setting where the majority of patients receive their care. Clinicians must navigate the evolving landscape of HR+ breast cancer while ensuring tolerability, adherence, and optimal outcomes.

This program aims to provide oncology professionals with evidence-based strategies to optimize the use of CDK 4/6 inhibitors across the breast cancer continuum. By addressing both early and metastatic disease settings, the program emphasizes the importance of dose adjustments to manage adverse events effectively without compromising efficacy. It also highlights the critical role of multidisciplinary care coordination in balancing patient outcomes with quality of life.

Tailored for oncology clinicians, the program offers practical insights to enhance patient care through proactive management of treatment-related side effects, streamlined care coordination, and comprehensive patient and caregiver education.

Objectives

• Outline strategies to evaluate patients with early stage and metastatic HR+ HER2- breast cancer receiving CDK inhibitors and manage potential treatment-related AEs.
• Review care coordination strategies within the multidisciplinary cancer care team, aimed at balancing quality of life and outcomes in early stage and metastatic HR+ HER2- breast cancer.
• Provide guidance on AE management and on the efficacy of CDK inhibitors while addressing the associated AEs.

Featured Resources

Adverse Event Management for CDK Inhibitors in Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer

Learn how CDK inhibitors can help manage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer by targeting overactive proteins that drive uncontrolled cell growth. Explore this comprehensive infographic  with essentials like dosage recommendations, potential side effects, and how to consult patients with breast cancer on managing their symptoms for effective therapy management.
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SPOTLIGHT ON MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE

This program spotlight examines the dynamic role of a clinical pharmacy specialist at Miami Cancer Institute (MCI), part of Baptist Health South Florida, in the management of patients with breast cancer treated with oral therapies such as CDK4/6 inhibitors.

In a corresponding podcast, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Diana Van Ostran, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacy specialist – breast clinic at MCI, about strategies to monitor and manage treatment-related adverse events in patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors. She discusses the importance of individualized care and robust patient education around lifestyle and dietary techniques to improve tolerance of this treatment.
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SPOTLIGHT ON ATRIUM HEALTH LEVINE CANCER

This program spotlight shares practical lessons from Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s integration of CDK4/6 inhibitors into breast cancer care, with strategies to support toxicity management, interdisciplinary teamwork, and patient education.

In a corresponding podcast, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Julia Lea Ziegengeist, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacist coordinator in solid tumor oncology at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute about proactive, team-based strategies to identify, monitor, and manage treatment-related toxicities in patients with early-stage and metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Dr. Ziegengeist sheds light on the patient journey, the roles of various multidisciplinary care team members, and useful resources for language and literacy barriers.
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SPOTLIGHT ON GEORGE WASHINGTON (GW) CANCER CENTER

Explore how the breast cancer program at George Washington (GW) Cancer Center successfully implemented CDK4/6 inhibitors into its practice through interdisciplinary teamwork, personalized patient engagement, and innovative approaches to toxicity management in this program spotlight.

In the corresponding podcast, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Pavani Chalasani, MD, MPH, director of the division of hematology/oncology at the George Washington University Cancer Center about the flexible and collaborative team design that allows for culturally responsive and comprehensive care for their patients with breast cancer.
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Contact Us

For more information on this project, please contact the ACCC Provider Education department.