Corneal Epithelial Changes Induced by CDK4/6 Inhibitors in HR+ Breast Cancer: Clinical Insights and Implications

MedXY Editorial Team•Oct 14, 2026•news

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer are associated with significantly increased corneal epithelial abnormalities, including punctate epitheliopathy and vortex keratopathy.
These corneal surface alterations occur independently of concomitant aromatase inhibitor therapy and without measurable changes in tear film function.
Severity of corneal epitheliopathy is exclusive to patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors, suggesting a direct cytostatic effect on corneal epithelial cell renewal.
Routine ocular surface evaluation using fluorescein staining may enable early identification and management of these ocular adverse effects during CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment.

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This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer are associated with significantly increased corneal epithelial abnormalities, including punctate epitheliopathy and vortex keratopathy.
These corneal surface alterations occur independently of concomitant aromatase inhibitor therapy and without measurable changes in tear film function.
Severity of corneal epitheliopathy is exclusive to patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors, suggesting a direct cytostatic effect on corneal epithelial cell renewal.
Routine ocular surface evaluation using fluorescein staining may enable early identification and management of these ocular adverse effects during CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment.