Trastuzumab deruxtecan, also known as Enhertu, is a type of medicine used to treat certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer. It's made up of three main parts: trastuzumab, a chemotherapy drug, and a linker that joins them together.
Now, let's break it down:
1. **Trastuzumab**: Trastuzumab is a type of medication that targets specific proteins called HER2 receptors. These receptors are found on the surface of some cancer cells, especially in breast cancer. By targeting these receptors, trastuzumab works to stop the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
2. **Chemotherapy Drug**: The chemotherapy drug in Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a powerful medicine that kills cancer cells. It's like a soldier going into battle against the cancer cells, destroying them and preventing them from causing further harm.
3. **Linker**: The linker is like a bridge that connects trastuzumab and the chemotherapy drug together. This connection is important because it helps to deliver the chemotherapy drug directly to the cancer cells, increasing its effectiveness and reducing side effects on healthy cells.
So, how does Trastuzumab deruxtecan work?
When someone with cancer receives Trastuzumab deruxtecan through an injection into their vein, trastuzumab goes looking for those HER2 receptors on the cancer cells. Once it finds them, it attaches itself to the cancer cells. Then, the chemotherapy drug, which is now attached to trastuzumab, gets released into the cancer cells. This is like delivering a powerful punch directly to the cancer cells.
Once inside the cancer cells, the chemotherapy drug goes to work, damaging their DNA and stopping them from multiplying. As a result, the cancer cells are unable to grow and spread further. Eventually, they die off, helping to shrink the tumor and slow down the progression of the cancer.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan has shown promising results in clinical trials, especially for people with HER2-positive breast cancer who have tried other treatments that haven't worked well. It has been approved by regulatory agencies in various countries, including the United States and Japan, as a treatment option for certain types of breast cancer.
However, like all medications, Trastuzumab deruxtecan can cause side effects. Some common side effects may include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood cell counts. It's essential for patients to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare team and report any unusual symptoms they may experience during treatment.
In conclusion, Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a targeted therapy that combines the power of trastuzumab and chemotherapy to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It works by specifically targeting cancer cells, delivering chemotherapy directly to them, and slowing down the progression of the disease. While it has shown effectiveness in clinical trials, patients should be aware of potential side effects and communicate closely with their healthcare providers throughout their treatment journey.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Trastuzumab deruxtecan
Trastuzumab deruxtecan works like a smart missile against cancer cells, especially in breast cancer. Imagine the cancer cells have a special marker called HER2. Trastuzumab, one part of the medicine, acts like a key that fits perfectly into this marker, locking onto the cancer cells.
Once it's locked in, the other part of the medicine, a strong chemotherapy drug, gets released directly into the cancer cells. It's like sending a powerful soldier right into the enemy's camp. This drug then goes to work, damaging the cancer cells' DNA, which stops them from multiplying and spreading.
As a result, the cancer cells weaken and die off. This helps to shrink the tumor and slow down the cancer's growth. It's a targeted attack that aims to hit the cancer cells hard while causing fewer side effects to healthy cells.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a clever medicine that zeroes in on cancer cells, delivers a potent treatment directly to them, and helps stop the cancer from getting worse.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist