Is ribociclib/ribociclib a chemotherapy drug or a targeted drug?

Strictly speaking, Ribociclib is not a chemotherapy drug in the traditional sense, but a targeted drug, specifically a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). Its working mechanism is mainly by inhibiting CDK4/6 activity, thus blocking cancer cells from entering the S phase from the G1 phase, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling cell proliferation. Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, Riboxiclib does not directly kill cells, but selectively inhibits tumor cell division by regulating cell proliferation signaling pathways. Therefore, it has relatively low side effects, stronger targeting, and a more controllable toxicity spectrum.

Chemotherapy drugs are usually non-selective cytotoxic drugs that have a killing effect on rapidly dividing cells, thus causing obvious side effects such as hair loss, bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting. As a targeted drug, ribociclib has more predictable side effects, such as neutropenia, abnormal liver function, prolongation of QT interval, etc. Most patients can maintain treatment through regular monitoring and dose adjustment.

In terms of clinical indications, Ribociclib combined with aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant is suitable for postmenopausal patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is one of the representatives of CDK4/6 inhibitor drugs, and is listed as one of the "Big Three" targeted therapies for breast cancer along with Palbociclib and Abemaciclib. In recent years, multiple clinical studies (such as the MONALEESA series of trials) have confirmed its significant benefits in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), which has also prompted its rapid inclusion in treatment recommendations in national guidelines.

To sum up, Riboxiclib is a typical targeted drug, its treatment concept and safety are better than traditional chemotherapy, and it plays an important role in the management of advanced breast cancer.

Reference materials:https://us.kisqali.com/