Enhertu (Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan-Nxki) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Enhertu is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations and who have received prior systemic therapy. This indication is approved through the accelerated approval process because Enhertu has shown positive results in individuals with HER2-mutant NSCLC based on promising results in initial studies. Continued approval of Enhertu depends on further trials that confirm these initial benefits in individuals with lung cancer. Enhertu is also known by its drug name, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki.

Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate, which combines a HER2-directed antibody with a chemotherapy agent. The antibody binds to the HER2 protein on cancer cells, delivering the chemotherapy agent directly into the cells, which is thought to help stop their growth and spread. This targeted approach aims to minimize damage to normal cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Enhertu is administered as an intravenous infusion. For the treatment of HER2-mutant NSCLC, the recommended dosage schedule is once every three weeks (21-day cycle). This cycle is repeated until the disease gets worse or the side effects become too severe. The drug should be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Enhertu include nausea, decreased white blood cell count, decreased hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), decreased neutrophil count (a type of white blood cell important for fighting infections), decreased lymphocyte count (another type of white blood cell), fatigue, decreased platelet count, increased aspartate aminotransferase (an enzyme found in the liver), increased alanine aminotransferase (another liver enzyme), vomiting, increased blood alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme related to bile ducts), alopecia (hair loss), constipation, decreased appetite, decreased blood potassium, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease (inflammation and scarring of the lungs), pneumonitis (lung inflammation), and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an embryo, fetus, or unborn baby). 

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Label: Enhertu — Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan-Nxki Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution — DailyMed

Enhertu — Drugs.com