What is Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Enhertu): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan is a targeted cancer medication that combines two powerful treatments into one injection. This innovative drug specifically targets cancer cells that have too much of a protein called HER2, while also delivering chemotherapy directly to those cells.

You might hear your healthcare team refer to this medication as Enhertu, which is its brand name. It's designed to be more precise than traditional chemotherapy, potentially causing fewer side effects while still being highly effective against certain types of cancer.

What is Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan?

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan is what doctors call an antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC for short. Think of it as a smart delivery system that finds cancer cells and delivers treatment directly to them.

The medication works by attaching to HER2 proteins that sit on the surface of cancer cells. Once attached, it releases a powerful chemotherapy drug right inside the cancer cell. This targeted approach means the treatment can be more effective while potentially sparing healthy cells from unnecessary damage.

This medication represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment because it combines the precision of targeted therapy with the cell-killing power of chemotherapy.

What is Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Used For?

This medication is primarily used to treat certain types of breast cancer and stomach cancer that have high levels of HER2 protein. Your doctor will test your cancer cells to make sure they have enough HER2 for this treatment to work effectively.

For breast cancer, it's typically used when other HER2-targeted treatments haven't worked or when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. The medication has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, often shrinking tumors even in cases where other treatments have failed.

In stomach cancer, it's used for advanced cases where the cancer has spread and other treatments haven't been successful. Your oncologist will carefully evaluate whether this medication is the right choice for your specific situation.

How Does Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Work?

This medication is considered a strong and sophisticated cancer treatment that works through a three-step process. First, it travels through your bloodstream and finds cancer cells that have HER2 proteins on their surface.

Once it attaches to these proteins, the medication acts like a key unlocking a door. It gets absorbed into the cancer cell, where it releases its chemotherapy payload directly inside. This targeted delivery system means the chemotherapy can work more effectively while potentially causing fewer side effects to healthy cells.

The beauty of this approach is that it's designed to be selective. While traditional chemotherapy affects both healthy and cancerous cells, this medication primarily targets cells with high HER2 levels, which are typically cancer cells.

How Should I Take Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan?

You'll receive this medication through an intravenous infusion at a hospital or cancer treatment center. Your healthcare team will insert a small tube into a vein in your arm or through a central line if you have one.

The infusion typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you'll be monitored closely during this time. Your nurse will check your vital signs and watch for any reactions. Many patients find it helpful to bring a book, tablet, or something to keep them occupied during the treatment.

You don't need to avoid food or drink before your treatment, but it's good to stay well-hydrated. Some patients prefer to eat a light meal beforehand to help prevent nausea. Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions about any medications you should take before your infusion.

How Long Should I Take Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan For?

The duration of your treatment depends on how well your cancer responds and how well you tolerate the medication. Most patients receive treatments every three weeks, and your doctor will regularly monitor your progress through scans and blood tests.

Some patients may continue treatment for many months if it's working well and side effects are manageable. Others might need to stop sooner if side effects become too difficult to handle or if the cancer doesn't respond as expected.

Your oncologist will work with you to find the right balance between effectiveness and quality of life. They'll regularly assess whether continuing treatment is the best option for your specific situation.

What are the Side Effects of Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan?

Like all cancer treatments, this medication can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects are generally manageable with proper care and monitoring.

Here are the side effects you might experience, and remember that your healthcare team is well-prepared to help you manage any that occur:

• Nausea and vomiting, which can often be controlled with anti-nausea medications
• Fatigue and feeling more tired than usual
• Hair loss or thinning, which is usually temporary
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Low white blood cell counts, which might increase infection risk
• Mouth sores or changes in taste

Most of these side effects are temporary and will improve between treatments or after you finish your course of medication.

There's one side effect that requires special attention: lung problems, specifically a condition called interstitial lung disease. While this is rare, it's something your healthcare team monitors very carefully. They'll watch for symptoms like new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Other rare but serious side effects include severe nausea and vomiting that doesn't respond to medication, severe diarrhea, or signs of serious infection like fever or chills. Your healthcare team will give you detailed information about when to call them immediately.

Who Should Not Take Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan?

This medication isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether it's right for you. People with certain health conditions may need to avoid this treatment or require special monitoring.

You should not receive this medication if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can harm a developing baby. Your healthcare team will discuss effective birth control methods if you're of childbearing age.

People with severe lung problems, active infections, or very low blood cell counts may need to wait or consider alternative treatments. Your doctor will also be cautious if you have heart problems, as some cancer treatments can affect heart function.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to similar medications, your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits carefully before recommending this treatment.

Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Brand Name

The brand name for fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan is Enhertu. This is the name you'll see on medication labels and insurance documents.

Enhertu is manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, and it's the only brand name version of this medication currently available. When talking with your healthcare team or insurance company, you can use either the generic name or Enhertu interchangeably.

Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Alternatives

Several other HER2-targeted treatments exist, though the choice depends on your specific type of cancer and treatment history. Your oncologist will consider which option might work best for your situation.

For breast cancer, alternatives might include trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), or ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). Each of these works differently and may be more or less appropriate depending on your cancer's characteristics.

Other treatment options might include different types of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or newer targeted treatments. Your doctor will explain why they're recommending this particular medication over other options.

Is Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Better Than Trastuzumab?

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan and trastuzumab (Herceptin) are both HER2-targeted treatments, but they work in different ways. Recent clinical trials suggest that fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan may be more effective in certain situations, particularly when other treatments have stopped working.

The key difference is that fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, while trastuzumab blocks HER2 signals without delivering additional chemotherapy. This makes fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan potentially more powerful, but also potentially more likely to cause side effects.

Your oncologist will consider many factors when choosing between these medications, including your cancer's specific characteristics, your treatment history, and your overall health. What works best can vary significantly from person to person.