Vitiligo-Like Hypopigmentation Induced by Ribociclib in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are targeted therapies widely used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer. Although these agents are generally well tolerated, several cutaneous adverse effects have been reported, including rare cases of vitiligo-like depigmentation. Such pigmentary changes may affect treatment adherence and quality of life. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests a possible association between these immune-mediated skin manifestations and improved survival outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of immune pathways, and to determine the potential prognostic significance of these reactions. We describe a 65-year-old woman with metastatic luminal A, HER2-negative breast cancer treated with ribociclib who developed multiple depigmented patches after 12 months of therapy. Lesions were stable and asymptomatic, allowing continuation of ribociclib. Ribociclib-induced vitiligo-like depigmentation is an under-recognized adverse effect. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are key to optimizing oncologic care without compromising therapeutic benefit.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-05-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.109083
Primary Topic
Advanced Breast Cancer Therapies
Type
article
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article

Vitiligo-Like Hypopigmentation Induced by Ribociclib in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Israe El Ghazouli, Salim Gallouj, Ouiame El Jouari
Cureus
Advanced Breast Cancer Therapies
article

Vitiligo-Like Hypopigmentation Induced by Ribociclib in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Israe El Ghazouli, Salim Gallouj, Ouiame El Jouari
article en

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are targeted therapies widely used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer. Although these agents are generally well tolerated, several cutaneous adverse effects have been reported, including rare cases of vitiligo-like depigmentation. Such pigmentary changes may affect treatment adherence and quality of life. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests a possible association between these immune-mediated skin manifestations and improved survival outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of immune pathways, and to determine the potential prognostic significance of these reactions. We describe a 65-year-old woman with metastatic luminal A, HER2-negative breast cancer treated with ribociclib who developed multiple depigmented patches after 12 months of therapy. Lesions were stable and asymptomatic, allowing continuation of ribociclib. Ribociclib-induced vitiligo-like depigmentation is an under-recognized adverse effect. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are key to optimizing oncologic care without compromising therapeutic benefit.

Cureus
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