Enhertu: Revolutionary HER2-Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
Discover how Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) is changing outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients with its innovative antibody-drug conjugate technology.
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Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) represents a breakthrough in HER2-targeted cancer therapy, offering new hope for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, especially those who have progressed on other HER2-directed treatments.
**Innovative Technology**
Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that combines:
- Trastuzumab antibody (targets HER2)
- Topoisomerase I inhibitor payload
- Cleavable linker technology
This design allows precise delivery of chemotherapy directly to HER2-expressing cancer cells while minimizing systemic exposure.
**Approved Indications**
- Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (after 2+ prior HER2-directed therapies)
- HER2-low breast cancer (groundbreaking approval for tumors previously considered HER2-negative)
- HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
**Clinical Trial Results**
DESTINY-Breast03: Enhertu vs T-DM1 (Kadcyla)
- 72% reduction in progression risk
- Median PFS: 28.8 months vs 6.8 months
- Significant OS benefit
DESTINY-Breast04: HER2-low breast cancer
- First effective HER2-targeted therapy for this population
- 50% reduction in death risk vs chemotherapy
- Expanded treatment options for thousands of patients
**Treatment Administration**
- Dose: 5.4 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks
- Infusion time: First dose ~90 minutes, subsequent ~30 minutes
- Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
**Key Side Effects**
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) - Most serious risk; requires monitoring. Incidence: ~10-15% (mostly low-grade). Early detection crucial; CT scans recommended.
Other common effects: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, alopecia, low blood counts, diarrhea.
**Patient Monitoring**
Essential monitoring includes baseline and periodic pulmonary function assessment, CT scans for ILD detection, complete blood counts, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
**Who Benefits Most**
Enhertu is particularly valuable for patients who progressed on trastuzumab + pertuzumab, those who failed T-DM1, HER2-low breast cancer patients, and patients seeking highly effective HER2-targeted therapy.
**The HER2-Low Revolution**
Enhertu's approval for HER2-low breast cancer is transformative. Previously, these patients (about 55% of breast cancers) had no HER2-targeted options. Now they can benefit from this powerful therapy.
For information about Enhertu availability, pricing, and access programs, contact our team.
**Innovative Technology**
Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that combines:
- Trastuzumab antibody (targets HER2)
- Topoisomerase I inhibitor payload
- Cleavable linker technology
This design allows precise delivery of chemotherapy directly to HER2-expressing cancer cells while minimizing systemic exposure.
**Approved Indications**
- Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (after 2+ prior HER2-directed therapies)
- HER2-low breast cancer (groundbreaking approval for tumors previously considered HER2-negative)
- HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
**Clinical Trial Results**
DESTINY-Breast03: Enhertu vs T-DM1 (Kadcyla)
- 72% reduction in progression risk
- Median PFS: 28.8 months vs 6.8 months
- Significant OS benefit
DESTINY-Breast04: HER2-low breast cancer
- First effective HER2-targeted therapy for this population
- 50% reduction in death risk vs chemotherapy
- Expanded treatment options for thousands of patients
**Treatment Administration**
- Dose: 5.4 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks
- Infusion time: First dose ~90 minutes, subsequent ~30 minutes
- Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
**Key Side Effects**
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) - Most serious risk; requires monitoring. Incidence: ~10-15% (mostly low-grade). Early detection crucial; CT scans recommended.
Other common effects: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, alopecia, low blood counts, diarrhea.
**Patient Monitoring**
Essential monitoring includes baseline and periodic pulmonary function assessment, CT scans for ILD detection, complete blood counts, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
**Who Benefits Most**
Enhertu is particularly valuable for patients who progressed on trastuzumab + pertuzumab, those who failed T-DM1, HER2-low breast cancer patients, and patients seeking highly effective HER2-targeted therapy.
**The HER2-Low Revolution**
Enhertu's approval for HER2-low breast cancer is transformative. Previously, these patients (about 55% of breast cancers) had no HER2-targeted options. Now they can benefit from this powerful therapy.
For information about Enhertu availability, pricing, and access programs, contact our team.
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