Kisqali (ribociclib) vs Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)

Kisqali (ribociclib) vs Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)

Kisqali (ribociclib) is a CDK4/6 inhibitor used primarily in combination with hormone therapy for the treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines trastuzumab, a HER2-targeted therapy, with a chemotherapy agent, and is used for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, often after prior treatments including trastuzumab and taxanes have failed. The choice between Kisqali and Kadcyla would depend on the breast cancer's hormone receptor and HER2 status; Kisqali is chosen for HR-positive, HER2-negative cases, while Kadcyla is used for HER2-positive tumors, making the two drugs suitable for different patient populations.

Difference between Kisqali and Kadcyla

Metric Kisqali (ribociclib) Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)
Generic name Ribociclib Trastuzumab emtansine
Indications Advanced or metastatic breast cancer HER2-positive breast cancer
Mechanism of action CDK4/6 inhibitor Antibody-drug conjugate
Brand names Kisqali Kadcyla
Administrative route Oral Intravenous
Side effects Neutropenia, nausea, infections, fatigue Fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to ribociclib or any of its components Hypersensitivity to trastuzumab emtansine or any of its components
Drug class Antineoplastic agent Antineoplastic agent
Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Genentech, Inc.

Efficacy

Efficacy of Kisqali (Ribociclib) in Breast Cancer Treatment

Ribociclib, sold under the brand name Kisqali, is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of breast cancer. Specifically, it is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is often used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant as initial endocrine-based therapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Kisqali significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to placebo. The MONALEESA-2, MONALEESA-3, and MONALEESA-7 trials have shown that patients treated with Kisqali in combination with endocrine therapy had a prolonged duration of disease control and delayed disease progression.

Efficacy of Kadcyla (Trastuzumab Emtansine) in Breast Cancer Treatment

Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines the HER2-targeting properties of trastuzumab with the chemotherapy agent DM1 (emtansine). It is approved for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in patients who have previously received trastuzumab and a taxane, separately or in combination. Kadcyla has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The pivotal EMILIA study demonstrated that patients receiving Kadcyla had a significant improvement in median overall survival compared to those who received lapatinib plus capecitabine, another standard treatment for this condition.

Both Kisqali and Kadcyla represent advances in the personalized treatment of breast cancer, targeting specific biological aspects of tumor cells. The use of these drugs is based on the presence of certain receptors and proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By targeting these pathways, these medications offer an approach to cancer treatment that is tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient's disease, potentially leading to better outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

It is important to note that while both Kisqali and Kadcyla have shown efficacy in their respective indications, the choice of treatment depends on various factors including the specific characteristics of the breast cancer, previous treatments, and patient health status. Healthcare providers consider these factors when recommending the most appropriate therapy for each patient. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to refine the understanding of how these drugs can be best used to treat breast cancer.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Kisqali
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Kadcyla
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)

Access Kisqali or Kadcyla today

If Kisqali or Kadcyla are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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