What is the drug Deruxtecan used for? Investigating Enhertu's Role

In recent clinical trials, the targeted drug trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) demonstrated a 72% improvement in progression-free survival for certain patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer compared to a different therapy. This innovative medication, which incorporates the chemotherapy payload Deruxtecan, represents a significant advancement in oncology by selectively delivering potent treatment directly to cancer cells.

Quick Summary

Deruxtecan is the chemotherapy component of the antibody-drug conjugate Enhertu, a targeted cancer therapy. It is used to treat specific types of HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer, HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, HER2-positive gastric cancer, and other HER2-expressing solid tumors.

Key Points

• Targeted Therapy: Deruxtecan is the chemotherapy payload within the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) known as Enhertu.

• HER2-Directed Action: The trastuzumab antibody component guides the drug to deliver deruxtecan directly to HER2-expressing cancer cells.

• Primary Uses: Enhertu is approved to treat specific types of breast cancer (HER2-positive, HER2-low, HER2-ultralow), HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, and HER2-positive gastric and solid tumors.

• Mechanism of Action: It works by releasing the chemotherapy payload inside cancer cells, causing DNA damage and cell death, and also exhibits a 'bystander effect' on neighboring cells.

• Serious Side Effects: A major risk includes interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, which can be life-threatening.

• Administration: The medication is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically on a 3-week cycle.

• Efficacy: Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in progression-free survival in certain patient populations compared to other therapies.

Understanding Deruxtecan: A Targeted Approach to Cancer

Deruxtecan is the chemotherapy component of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, known as Enhertu. This antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) combines a monoclonal antibody with chemotherapy. The trastuzumab antibody targets the HER2 protein on cancer cells. Once inside the cell, deruxtecan is released to kill it. This targeted method includes a 'bystander effect' to potentially kill nearby cells with lower HER2 levels. For specific approved indications, administration, comparison with other therapies, and potential side effects of Enhertu, please refer to {Link: Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki-intravenous-route/description/drg-20481655}, {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/trastuzumab-deruxtecan.html}, {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/enhertu.html}, and {Link: Targeted Oncology https://www.targetedonc.com/view/fda-approves-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-in-her2-solid-tumors}.

Conclusion

Deruxtecan is the key component in Enhertu, an important targeted cancer therapy that delivers chemotherapy precisely to HER2-expressing cells. While effective in treating various cancers, it has significant side effects, necessitating close medical attention. Research continues to explore its applications, highlighting the promise of targeted oncology.

Potential Outbound Links

For more detailed information on antibody-drug conjugates and cancer treatments, readers can explore resources from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), such as their page on Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the active ingredient in the drug Enhertu?

The active ingredient in Enhertu is fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, where deruxtecan is the chemotherapy component.

Does Deruxtecan treat all types of breast cancer?

No, Enhertu (which contains Deruxtecan) is used to treat specific types of breast cancer: HER2-positive, HER2-low, and HER2-ultralow that is unresectable or metastatic, and in patients who have received prior therapies.

How does Enhertu's targeted delivery work?

Enhertu combines a targeted antibody (trastuzumab) that attaches to the HER2 protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug (deruxtecan). This precisely delivers the chemotherapy to the cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

What is the 'bystander effect' of Deruxtecan?

The 'bystander effect' refers to the ability of the deruxtecan payload to also kill nearby cancer cells that have lower levels of HER2, enhancing the overall treatment effect.

What are the common side effects of Enhertu?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, low blood cell counts (neutropenia), and hair loss. More serious side effects can include lung and heart problems.

Is Enhertu a form of traditional chemotherapy?

Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate, which is a hybrid treatment. It uses a chemotherapy payload, deruxtecan, but delivers it in a targeted manner, unlike traditional chemotherapy that affects the whole body indiscriminately.

How often is Enhertu treatment typically given?

Enhertu is generally administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion once every three weeks, in a 21-day cycle, under the supervision of a healthcare provider.