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Kisqali

ribociclib
CDK4/6 Inhibitor FDA Approved 2017 Novartis
1. Indications and Usage

HR+/HER2− Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: In combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women and men.
HR+/HER2− Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: In combination with fulvestrant as initial endocrine-based therapy or following disease progression on endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women and men.
HR+/HER2− Early Breast Cancer (adjuvant): In combination with an aromatase inhibitor in adult patients with high risk of recurrence (node-positive, ≥4 positive nodes or 1–3 nodes with Grade 3 or tumor ≥5 cm).

2. Dosage and Administration

Advanced/metastatic: 600 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off (28-day cycle)
Adjuvant early breast cancer: 400 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off (28-day cycle) for 3 years
Administration: With or without food. Swallow tablets whole.
Dose reductions (advanced): First: 400 mg; Second: 200 mg. Discontinue if unable to tolerate 200 mg.
Dose reductions (adjuvant): First: 200 mg. Discontinue if unable to tolerate 200 mg.

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets (film-coated): 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg

4. Contraindications

None listed in the prescribing information.

5. Warnings and Precautions
  • Neutropenia: Monitor CBCs prior to initiation, every 2 weeks for first 2 cycles, at the beginning of each subsequent cycle, and as clinically indicated.
  • Hepatobiliary Toxicity: ALT/AST elevations reported. Monitor LFTs before initiation, every 2 weeks for first 2 cycles, at beginning of subsequent 4 cycles, then as clinically indicated.
  • QT Interval Prolongation: Monitor ECGs prior to initiation, at approximately Day 14 of Cycle 1, at beginning of Cycle 2, and as clinically indicated. Avoid in patients with long QT syndrome.
  • ILD/Pneumonitis: Reported including fatal cases. Monitor and permanently discontinue for severe ILD/pneumonitis.
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status before initiating.
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Neutropenia (74%), Nausea (52%), Infections (50%), Fatigue (37%), Diarrhea (35%), Leukopenia (33%), Vomiting (29%), Alopecia (27%), Headache (22%), Constipation (21%)

Neutropenia
74%
Nausea
52%
Infections
50%
Fatigue
37%
Diarrhea
35%
Leukopenia
33%
Vomiting
29%
Alopecia
27%
Headache
22%
Constipation
21%

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

7. Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concurrent use. If unavoidable, reduce Kisqali dose (600→400, 400→200 mg).
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concurrent use.
CYP3A Substrates: Ribociclib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Concomitant use with sensitive CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic index should be avoided.
QT Prolonging Drugs: Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval.

8. Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy

Consult the full prescribing information for pregnancy-related considerations.

Lactation

Refer to prescribing information for lactation guidance.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric safety and efficacy information is detailed in the full label.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment

Dose modifications for organ impairment are specified in the complete prescribing information.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Ribociclib is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These kinases are activated upon binding to D-cyclins and play a critical role in signaling pathways leading to cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation. The cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex regulates cell cycle progression through phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Ribociclib inhibits pRb phosphorylation, preventing G1/S cell cycle progression and reducing proliferation.

Pharmacokinetics

Tmax: 1–5 hours. Bioavailability: ~32%. Vd: 1090 L. Protein binding: 70%. Metabolized primarily by CYP3A4. Half-life: 32 hours. Steady state by Day 8. Elimination: feces 69%, urine 23%.

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
FDA-Approved Tumor Types

Kisqali has FDA-approved indications across the following cancer types covered on PipelineEvidence:

External Resources
Important Notice: This page is intended as a navigational reference to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Kisqali. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions. Patient-specific factors should always guide clinical decision-making.