Enhertu and Its Impact on HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment
Enhertu in Breast Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) has demonstrated remarkable outcomes for patients suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Speaking at the 2024 ESMO Congress, Dr. Nancy Lin emphasized that while Enhertu produces high levels of intracranial efficacy, it also brings about distinct side effects compared to traditional therapies.
Comparison with Standard Treatments
Patients treated with Enhertu showed an astounding 82% response rate in those with previously untreated brain metastases, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) exceeding 17 months. In contrast, the standard regimen, including Tukysa (tucatinib), Xeloda (capecitabine), and Herceptin (trastuzumab), reported a PFS of just over seven months.
- Enhertu leads to more nausea and vomiting but is manageable with antiemetic medications.
- Standard regimen shows more diarrhea and hand-foot symptoms from Xeloda.
Patient-Centered Treatment Options
Dr. Lin noted that patients' preferences regarding treatment modalities play a critical role. For individuals concerned about hair loss, the oral regimen with Tukysa, Xeloda, and Herceptin may be more appealing, while those preferring IV treatment every three weeks might opt for Enhertu.
The safety profiles and side effects of these treatments must be considered carefully to tailor therapy to patients' unique needs and circumstances.
Future Directions
As research continues to evolve, Enhertu stands as a pivotal option among multiple active treatments available for patients with and without brain metastases. Ongoing discussions about efficacy and toxicity are crucial as clinical practitioners guide patients through their treatment choices.
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