Abemaciclib: CDK6 Inhibitor

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Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate the cell cycle by controlling protein activity. Human cancers often result from mutations that disrupt this regulation, causing cells to continuously proliferate without checks. Prolonged growth signals are a hallmark of cancer, making CDK inhibition an appealing strategy for treating tumors. By slowing down cell division, CDK inhibitors can reduce tumor size and slow disease progression. The effectiveness of CDK inhibitors depends on their ability to target specific proteins without harming other cellular processes. Abemaciclib is one such inhibitor that targets CDK4, CDK6, and CDK9. Although it was designed to be highly specific, abemaciclib also affects other protein kinases, leading to gastrointestinal side effects. This interaction between abemaciclib and CDK6 is illustrated in the accompanying diagram, highlighting the complexities of this therapeutic approach.