New Antibody-Drug Conjugate for Breast Cancer Treatment

Brest cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with approximately 74,500 new cases diagnosed annually in Germany alone. Among these cases, around 75% are characterized as hormone receptor-positive, while about 15% of tumors express the HER2 growth factor receptor. A specific subset of breast cancer, referred to as HR+/HER2-, can now benefit from an innovative treatment option.

The newly approved medication, Datopotamab Deruxtecan (marketed as Datroway® 100 mg), is intended for patients with advanced or inoperable HR+/HER2- breast cancer who have previously undergone endocrine therapy and at least one line of chemotherapy. Administered as a monotherapy, the drug is dosed at 6 mg/kg based on the patient's weight, with a maximum dose of 540 mg for individuals exceeding 90 kg.

As an antibody-drug conjugate, Datopotamab Deruxtecan targets the Trop-2 antigen on cancer cells. Once bound, it is internalized and broken down within the cell, releasing the active component, Deruxtecan (DXd), a topoisomerase-I inhibitor that induces DNA damage, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. This mechanism is similar to that of Sacituzumab Govitecan (Trodelvy®), which was recognized for offering significant therapeutic advantages when it was launched in 2021.

Treatment with Datopotamab Deruxtecan involves intravenous administration every three weeks, with continuation until disease progression occurs or intolerable toxicity manifests. Adverse effects may necessitate an adjustment in the dosing regimen, including a reduction to 4 mg/kg (maximum 360 mg) and potentially down to 3 mg/kg (maximum 270 mg). Once reduced, the dose cannot be increased again.

This breakthrough in breast cancer therapy is a significant advancement, providing hope for patients with limited treatment options. The ongoing research and development of targeted therapies like Datopotamab Deruxtecan highlight the importance of personalized medicine in oncology, paving the way for more effective treatment strategies tailored to specific cancer profiles.