Indicated for: breast cancer
Route of administration: infusion
Substance: trastuzumab emtansine (antibody-drug conjugate)
ATC: L01FD01 (Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents | Monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug conjugates | Her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) inhibitors)
Trastuzumab emtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. It combines trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2 receptor, with emtansine, a cytotoxic agent that inhibits cell division.
Trastuzumab emtansine works by binding to the HER2 receptor on the surface of tumor cells, delivering emtansine directly into cancer cells and destroying them. It is administered intravenously, usually once every three weeks, with the dose adjusted based on the patient's body weight.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and elevated liver enzyme levels. In rare cases, severe adverse reactions such as heart failure, pulmonary toxicity, or peripheral neuropathy may occur. Careful monitoring of cardiac and liver function is essential during treatment.
Trastuzumab emtansine is an innovative therapeutic option for patients with HER2-positive cancer, offering a targeted and effective approach to disease control and improved quality of life.