CDK4/6 inhibitors in advanced hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract

Purpose: Combining CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy (ET) improved outcomes for the treatment of metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancers. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to better define the benefit and the risk of CDK4/6 inhibitors plus ET for endocrine-sensitive or endocrine-resistant population in metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

Method: A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was carried out up to 30 June 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for progression-free survival (PFS), as well as odds ratios (ORs) for objective response rates, ≥ G3-G4 adverse events (AEs), and G3-G4 neutropenia were calculated for each trial. A meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model.

Results: Eight RCTs were eligible including 4578 breast cancer patients. Adding CDK4/6 inhibitors to ET in endocrine-sensitive (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.50-0.62) or endocrine-resistant setting (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43-0.61) significantly improved the PFS of metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancers regardless of menopausal status and site of metastasis. Moreover, CDK4/6 inhibitors plus ET meaningfully improved objective response rate in endocrine-sensitive (ORs 0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.73) or endocrine-resistant setting (ORs 0.33, 95% CI 0.24-0.47). The use of these drugs was characterized by a significant increase of G3-G4 AEs (OR 10.88, 95% CI 6.53-18.14).

Conclusion: Emerging data provide a new standard treatment for advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer, regardless of menopausal status, prior hormonal/chemotherapy treatments delivered, sites of metastasis. However, benefits should be balanced with longer treatment duration, toxicities, and costs.

Keywords: Abemaciclib; Breast cancer; Hormonal therapy; Meta-analysis; Palbociclib; Ribociclib.