Elevated transaminases and development of cardiomyopathy in a 32-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer after treatment with ribociclib followed by palbociclib

Abstract

Introduction

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors, ribociclib and palbociclib, are associated with reports of transaminitis and adverse cardiac events.

Case report

The patient is a previously healthy 32-year-old female diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive, and human epidermal growth factor 2 negative metastatic breast cancer. From July to September 2021, the patient was initiated on ribociclib followed by palbociclib for metastatic breast cancer. She subsequently experienced two episodes of transaminitis and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

Management and outcome

The patient experienced transaminitis 2 weeks after the initiation of ribociclib resulting in discontinuation. When rechallenged with palbociclib, the patient experienced transaminitis within 1 week of initiation, which resulted in discontinuation. Approximately 1 month after palbociclib discontinuation, the patient was diagnosed with congestive heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 24%.

Discussion

To our knowledge, there are few case studies investigating cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitor rechallenge following transaminitis. Prior literature suggests that transaminitis with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors is not a class effect, but this case report suggests otherwise. This report presents a rare case of cardiomyopathy and transaminitis following the administration of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors, ribociclib and palbociclib.