Abemaciclib is a kinase inhibitor indicated:
- in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence and a Ki-67 score ≥20% as determined by an FDA approved test.
- in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
- in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy.
- as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting.
Dosage & Administration
Abemaciclib tablets are taken orally with or without food.
- Recommended starting dose in combination with fulvestrant, tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor: 150 mg twice daily.
- Recommended starting dose as monotherapy: 200 mg twice daily.
- Dosing interruption and/or dose reductions may be required based on individual safety and tolerability.
Interaction
CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Reduce the Abemaciclib dose with concomitant use of other strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors.
CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inducers.
Side Effects
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, alopecia, and thrombocytopenia.
Precautions & Warnings
Diarrhea: Abemaciclib can cause severe cases of diarrhea, associated with dehydration and infection. Instruct patients at the first sign of loose stools to initiate antidiarrheal therapy, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider.
Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Abemaciclib therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe and fatal cases of ILD/pneumonitis have been reported. Monitor for clinical symptoms or radiological changes indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Abemaciclib in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 ILD or pneumonitis.
Hepatotoxicity: Increases in serum transaminase levels have been observed. Perform liver function tests (LFTs) before initiating treatment with Abemaciclib. Monitor LFTs every two weeks for the first two months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated.
Venous Thromboembolism: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential
Therapeutic Class
Protein kinase inhibitor
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.