Trastuzumab emtansine

Trastuzumab emtansine is a prescription medicine used to treat people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is a type of chemotherapy called an antibody-drug conjugate. Trastuzumab emtansine combines trastuzumab, an antibody that targets the HER2 protein, with a chemotherapy drug, emtansine. The combination of these two drugs helps to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Trastuzumab emtansine, also known by the brand name Kadcyla, is a medication used for targeted therapy in specific types of breast cancer [1, 2]. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

Function:

• Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC): Similar to Trastuzumab deruxtecan, it combines two elements:
  • Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein on cancer cells [1].
  • Emtansine, a chemotherapy drug [1].

Cancers treated:

• HER2-positive breast cancer: Primarily used to treat HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer that has not responded to other treatments like Herceptin (Trastuzumab) and chemotherapy [1, 2].

How it works:

• Trastuzumab emtansine works similarly to Trastuzumab deruxtecan:
  • Trastuzumab targets HER2-positive cancer cells, delivering the emtansine payload directly to them [1].
  • Emtansine disrupts cancer cell division by interfering with microtubule formation, ultimately leading to cell death [1].

Important things to know about Trastuzumab emtansine:

• It's administered intravenously (injected into a vein) by a healthcare professional [1].
• Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, muscle pain, and low blood cell counts [2].
• There can be more serious side effects, including neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet), pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring), and allergic reactions [2]. Careful monitoring by a doctor is essential during treatment.
• It can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before starting Trastuzumab emtansine [2].
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not recommended due to potential risks to the baby [2].