KISQALI (Ribociclib) Primary Breast Cancer - just started (Dec24)

I have had a grade 2 HR+ HER2- cancer removed in Aug ‘25 with clear lymph nodes. My oncologist did a Ki67 test that came back at 25% indicating Ribociclib beneficial and should be starting it in December after radio therapy (on the NHS). It only got approved a couple months ago for lymph node clear cases apparently. Terrified of the side effects. :frowning:

Hi, I was really scared of the side effects too and initially decided not to take it when I finished radiotherapy in April as it wasnt then NICE approved for my diagnosis (HR+ Her2-, 3 postive nodes). It was then approved in July at which point I looked again at the side effects and my oncologist said I could try it and see how it went (he’d previously quite annoyingly assumed I would start it without much discussion as he recommended it and I had Bupa cover…)

As I understand it (unless your oncologist advises different) you have 12 months from the end of radiotherapy to start ribociclib so you should be able to take your time to decide and see how you feel after radiotherapy (my 3 weeks of radiotherapy made me really tired) or even in a few months time.

My main concern was quite specific re drop in blood count as I have close family history of incurable blood disorders so I saw a haematologist and got comfortable with taking ribociclib given my family history. I also asked my oncologist alot of Qs and read up on it myself.

I’m 2 cycles in, blood tests for cycle 3 tomorrow and so far it’s been alright. Had a v itchy hand for 10 days in cycle 1 (so took standard antihistamines and it went away) and had to get antibiotics for an infection mid cycle 2 which was more a faff than feeling ill as I couldnt just go to a pharmacy like normal but had to get blood tests etc before getting them from the hospital. Side effects seem to vary individually tho.

Hasnt stopped me exercising and I also went to Italy for a long weekend last week which was completely fine/normal too.

Good luck with making your decision, you may well be able to take your time in making it tho and think about it in the New Year instead of having to decide now.

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Hi, thanks for the details and glad to hear it’s working for you. What’s the benefit of taking Ribociclib? Were you given a % benefit? I’m halfway through RT and have seen this drug mentioned in my notes for future discussion…would like some advice on questions to ask my oncologist in my next meeting. Thank you :pray:

My oncologist said there was a 3% better rate of it not coming back with ribociclib. Not a lot really. We asked him what he would do. He said, if it was a family member, he’d tell them to take it.