Novel Estrogen Receptor - Targeted Therapies in Hormone-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer.

opinion statementEndocrine therapy is the backbone of treatment for HR + /HER2- MBC. The introduction of novel endocrine-based therapies has changed the landscape of metastatic breast cancer care, with even more promising agents on the horizon. Given the consistent success in prolonging PFS and OS, CDK4/6 inhibitors should be used as first-line treatment. Once secondary resistance eventually develops after use of a CDK4/6 inhibitor, use of monotherapy with either AI or fulvestrant has shown poor outcome. For example, in the control group of the EMERALD trial, in which all the patients were required to have previously received a CDK4/6 inhibitor, median progression-free survival with endocrine therapy was only 1.9 months. Based on the emerging evidence, molecular profiling of tissue or liquid biopsy at progression of disease is crucial to select future therapy. For patients whose tumors harbor ESR1 mutations, oral SERDs are the preferred option. For those with PIK3CA or AKT1 mutation or PTEN inactivation, combination therapy with the AKT pathway inhibitor capivasertib is recommended. Alpelisib, the first AKT1 inhibitor approved in combination therapy with fulvestrant in PIK3CA mutated tumors only, is now less in favor given its challenging side effect profile. When mutations are not present, options include combination therapy with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus or changing endocrine therapy and continuing a CDK 4/6 inhibitor. In patients with short response to CDK4/6 inhibitors suggesting endocrine resistant disease, chemotherapy or antibody-drug conjugates should be considered. With better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors, additional mutations could be identified and potentially targeted in order to provide individualized treatment options. Optimal sequencing of treatment options depends on several factors: (1) the presence of specific molecular aberrations; (2) previous treatment history, duration of response and patient's performance status; (3) balance between maximizing survival benefits with quality of life/toxicities; (4) disease burden. In the upcoming years, we anticipate FDA approvals for more of the SERD molecules both in monotherapy and in combination therapy which will continue to expand the options available for HR + /HER2- MBC patients.