Enhertu, a groundbreaking drug developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, offers renewed hope for patients battling advanced breast cancer. First approved in December 2019, Enhertu targets cancers that are HR-positive and HER2-low or ultralow, particularly for patients who have seen no improvement following hormone therapy. This innovative treatment, classified as an antibody-drug conjugate, has shown significant promise in reducing cancer progression and improving patient survival rates.
Enhertu's unique mechanism of action involves selectively attaching to HER2-positive cancer cells. Upon attachment, it releases a chemotherapy agent directly inside the cancer cells, disrupting their DNA and halting their growth. A recent clinical trial involving 866 participants with advanced HR-positive, HER2-low breast cancer demonstrated the drug's efficacy. The trial revealed that Enhertu reduced the risk of cancer progression or death by 36% compared to standard chemotherapy.
Patients receiving Enhertu experienced an average of 13.2 months without cancer progression, as opposed to 8.1 months for those on chemotherapy. This marked improvement highlights Enhertu's potential as a more effective alternative to traditional chemotherapy for this patient group.
Despite its benefits, Enhertu is not without risks. The drug can cause serious lung problems, prompting healthcare providers to advise patients to promptly report any symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, or worsening of existing conditions. Additionally, women of reproductive age are urged to inform their doctors if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting treatment with Enhertu. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for four to seven months following the last dose to mitigate potential risks.
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