Palbociclib demonstrates intracranial activity in progressive brain metastases harboring cyclin-dependent kinase pathway alterations

Recent studies suggest that the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway may be a therapeutic target for brain metastases (BM). Here, we present interim analysis of a basket trial evaluating the intracranial efficacy of the CDK inhibitor palbociclib in patients with progressive BM and CDK alterations. Our study met its primary endpoint and provides evidence for performing molecular testing of archival BM tissue, if available, to inform the choice of CNS-penetrant targeted therapy. Brastianos and colleagues report interim trial results on the intracranial clinical benefit of palbociclib for patients with progressive metastatic brain cancer carrying cyclin-dependent kinase pathway alterations.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown that the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway may be a potential target for treating brain metastases (BM). An interim analysis of a basket trial evaluating the intracranial efficacy of the CDK inhibitor palbociclib in patients with progressive BM and CDK alterations met its primary endpoint, suggesting the importance of molecular testing for guiding CNS-penetrant targeted therapy. Brastianos and colleagues reported interim trial results on the intracranial clinical benefit of palbociclib for patients with progressive metastatic brain cancer carrying cyclin-dependent kinase pathway alterations.