Overview

• The Baylor College of Medicine team reports in Science Translational Medicine (Aug. 27) that reduced neurofibromin is linked to heightened CDK4/6 pathway activity and drug sensitivity.
• Approximately 20% of estrogen receptor–positive tumors exhibited low NF1 protein levels, a state tied to weaker responses to endocrine therapy alone.
• In patient-derived xenograft models of ER+ disease, combining a CDK4/6 inhibitor with fulvestrant produced durable tumor regressions.
• Serial presurgical biopsy analyses—aromatase inhibitor followed by the addition of palbociclib—provided translational support for the preclinical findings.
• The Chang lab developed prototype immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry assays to quantify NF1, setting the stage for trials that could refine patient selection and limit prolonged CDK4/6 exposure.