ENHERTU® (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) approved in the US for two new indications for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer
Key Terms
neoadjuvant medical
adjuvant medical
pathologic complete response medical
hazard ratio medical
interstitial lung disease medical
pneumonitis medical
antibody drug conjugate medical
objective response rate medical
Approved for use before surgery based on DESTINY-Breast11 Phase III trial
Approved for use following surgery based on DESTINY-Breast05 Phase III trial
Two new indications bring AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s ENHERTU into curative-intent setting, reinforcing its role across stages of HER2-positive breast cancer
In the neoadjuvant setting, ENHERTU followed by a taxane, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP) has been approved for the treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive Stage II or Stage III breast cancer. In the adjuvant setting, ENHERTU has been approved for the treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who have residual invasive disease following trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) and taxane-based treatment.
Shanu Modi, MD, Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said: “HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive disease, and our goal is to reduce the risk of recurrence for patients as early as possible to achieve the best long-term outcomes. The neoadjuvant setting offers the earliest opportunity to improve outcomes, while the adjuvant setting provides another important chance to prevent recurrence for patients with residual disease after surgery. These two new indications in HER2-positive early breast cancer will evolve how we treat patients in these settings and support trastuzumab deruxtecan as a potential new standard of care in early-stage disease.”
Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Haematology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “HER2-positive early disease is considered highly curable, however up to one in four patients still experience disease recurrence, underscoring the need for new options in this setting. These approvals mark an important step forward, expanding the possibility of cure to more patients for the first time in many years and positioning ENHERTU as a foundational treatment in early breast cancer.”
Ken Keller, Global Head of Oncology Business, and President and CEO, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. said: “ENHERTU has redefined the treatment of HER2-expressing breast cancer with practice-changing data across six breast cancer indications in seven years. ENHERTU is now approved in the US across both early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, accomplishing what we set out to achieve a little over a decade ago for patients at the start of our comprehensive clinical development program.”
Victoria Smart, Senior Vice President, Mission, Susan G. Komen, said: “Providing patients with early breast cancer more options to help prevent progression to metastatic disease can lead to improved outcomes. Progression and recurrence remain among the most significant unmet needs for those diagnosed with early breast cancer, and continued advances in treatment bring new hope to patients and families facing this disease.”
In DESTINY-Breast11, ENHERTU followed by THP as a neoadjuvant treatment demonstrated a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of
In DESTINY-Breast05, ENHERTU as an adjuvant treatment reduced the risk of invasive disease recurrence or death (invasive disease-free survival [IDFS]) by
Data from both trials were presented at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress.
Based on the DESTINY-Breast05 results, trastuzumab deruxtecan (ENHERTU) has been included in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) as a Category 1 recommended treatment in the adjuvant setting for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer with residual disease and a high risk of recurrence following preoperative therapy. See NCCN Guidelines® for detailed recommendations.
No new safety concerns were identified with ENHERTU in the DESTINY-Breast11 or DESTINY-Breast05 trials.
In DESTINY-Breast11, ENHERTU followed by THP showed similar rates of drug-related overall adverse events (AEs) and interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis as ddAC-THP, and lower rates of Grade 3 or higher AEs, serious AEs, AEs leading to treatment interruptions, left ventricular dysfunction and hematological toxicities.
In DESTINY-Breast05, ENHERTU and T-DM1 showed similar rates of overall drug-related AEs and Grade 3 or higher AEs. Adjudicated drug-related ILD/pneumonitis occurred in
The DESTINY-Breast11 and DESTINY-Breast05 US regulatory submissions were both reviewed under Project Orbis, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among participating international partners. Separate regulatory applications for both trials are also under review in other countries. DESTINY-Breast05 previously received Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.
ENHERTU is already approved in more than 95 countries, including the US, as a treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
ENHERTU is a specifically engineered HER2-directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovered by Daiichi Sankyo and being jointly developed and commercialized by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.
Financial Considerations
Following these approvals in the US, an amount of
ENHERTU
Indications
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for:
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HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
- As neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) Stage II or III breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test followed by a taxane, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP)
- As adjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have residual invasive disease following neoadjuvant trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) and taxane-based treatment
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HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
- In combination with pertuzumab as first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test
- As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either in the metastatic setting, or, in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy
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HER2-Low and HER2-Ultralow Metastatic Breast Cancer
- As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) or HER2-ultralow (IHC 0 with membrane staining) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that has progressed on one or more endocrine therapies in the metastatic setting
- As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy
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HER2-Mutant Unresectable or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
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As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
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As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy
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HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
- As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH positive) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen
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HER2-Positive (IHC 3+) Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors
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As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
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As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options
Important Safety Information
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY
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Contraindications
None.
Warnings and Precautions
Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose 1 level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks. In the adjuvant HER2+ breast cancer setting, if drug-induced ILD is suspected, rule out radiotherapy-related pneumonitis. If only radiotherapy-related pneumonitis is suspected, consider interruption of ENHERTU for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue ENHERTU for Grade ≥3.
HER2-Positive, HER2-Low, and HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)
ENHERTU as Monotherapy
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in
ENHERTU in Combination with Pertuzumab
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab (N=431), ILD occurred in
ENHERTU followed by THP
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, ILD occurred in
HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)
In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in
Neutropenia
Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by 1 level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3º C or a sustained temperature of ≥38º C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by 1 level.
HER2-Positive, HER2-Low, and HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)
ENHERTU as Monotherapy
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in
ENHERTU in Combination with Pertuzumab
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab (N=431), decreased neutrophil count occurred in
ENHERTU followed by THP
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in
HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)
In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in
Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVD through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >
HER2-Positive, HER2-Low, and HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)
ENHERTU as Monotherapy
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, LVD was reported in
ENHERTU in Combination with Pertuzumab
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab (N=431), LVEF decrease was reported in
ENHERTU followed by THP
In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, LVD was reported in
HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)
In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography,
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.
Additional Dose Modifications
Thrombocytopenia
For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by 1 level.
Adverse Reactions
HER2-Positive, HER2-Low, and HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)
ENHERTU as Monotherapy
The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in 2233 patients in Study DS8201-A-J101 (NCT02564900), DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-Breast02, DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, DESTINY-Breast06, DESTINY-Lung01, DESTINY-Lung02, DESTINY-CRC02, and DESTINY-PanTumor02. Among these patients,
ENHERTU in Combination with Pertuzumab
The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab intravenously every 3 weeks in 431 patients in DESTINY-Breast07 (n=50), and DESTINY-Breast09 (n=381). Among these patients,
HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
DESTINY-Breast11
The safety of ENHERTU followed by THP was evaluated in 320 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) early breast cancer who received at least 1 dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks for 4 cycles followed by THP for 4 cycles. The median duration of treatment was 5.6 months (range: 0.7 to 9.1) for patients who received ENHERTU followed by THP.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
In patients treated with ENHERTU followed by THP, the permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in
The most common (≥
DESTINY-Breast05
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 806 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer with residual invasive disease following neoadjuvant HER2-targeted therapy who then received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks for 14 cycles. The median duration of treatment was 10 months (range: 0.7 to 16) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
Permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU due to an adverse reaction occurred in
The most common (≥
ILD was reported in
HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
DESTINY-Breast09
The safety of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab was evaluated in DESTINY-Breast09, a randomized, three-arm, multicenter study including 763 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) unresectable or metastatic breast cancer. Three hundred eighty-one patients received ENHERTU in combination with pertuzumab and 382 patients received THP (taxane [docetaxel or paclitaxel], trastuzumab, and pertuzumab). Among patients who received ENHERTU in combination with pertuzumab, the median duration of treatment was 22 months (range: 0.3 months to 44.5 months).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was discontinued for adverse reactions in
The most common (≥
DESTINY-Breast03
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 257 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least 1 dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast03. The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range: 0.7 to 30) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
HER2-Low and HER2-Ultralow Metastatic Breast Cancer
DESTINY-Breast06
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 434 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) or HER2-ultralow (IHC 0 with membrane staining) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast06. The median duration of treatment was 11 months (range: 0.4 to 39.6) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
DESTINY-Breast04
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 371 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast04. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.2 to 33) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
HER2-Mutant Unresectable or Metastatic NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)
DESTINY-Lung02 evaluated 2 dose levels (5.4 mg/kg [n=101] and 6.4 mg/kg [n=50]); however, only the results for the recommended dose of 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks are described below due to increased toxicity observed with the higher dose in patients with NSCLC, including ILD/pneumonitis.
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in DESTINY‑Lung02. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.7 to 28) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least 1 dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) for patients who received ENHERTU.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
HER2-Positive (IHC 3+) Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 347 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, and DESTINY-CRC02. The median duration of treatment was 8.3 months (range 0.7 to 30.2).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in
ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in
The most common (≥
Use in Specific Populations
- Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.
- Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
- Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
- Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
-
Geriatric Use: ENHERTU as Monotherapy: Of the 2233 patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg,
28% were ≥65 years and6% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients ≥65 years compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (56% ) as compared to younger patients (49% ). Of the 125 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01,56% were ≥65 years and14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. ENHERTU in Combination with Pertuzumab: In patients with HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in combination with pertuzumab (N=431),17% were ≥65 years and3% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years compared to younger patients. ENHERTU followed by THP: Of the 320 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP,12% were ≥65 years and1.6% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients ≥65 years (38% ) as compared to younger patients (30% ). - Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).
- Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, monitor for increased adverse reactions related to the topoisomerase inhibitor, DXd. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.
Notes
HER2-positive early breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.3 More than two million breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022, with an estimated 665,000 deaths globally.3 In the US, more than 320,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually with over 42,000 deaths.4
HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of many types of tumors, including breast cancer.5 HER2 protein overexpression may occur as a result of HER2 gene amplification and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis in breast cancer.5 An estimated one in five cases of breast cancer is considered HER2-positive.6 Approximately one in three patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer is considered high-risk, meaning they are more likely to experience disease recurrence and have a poor prognosis, and up to one in four will experience disease recurrence.7,8
HER2‑positive early breast cancer is generally treated across two phases: the neoadjuvant (pre‑surgical) phase and the adjuvant or post-neoadjuvant (post‑surgical) phase.
In the neoadjuvant setting, the current standard of care in many regions of the world involves combination chemotherapy regimens.9 In the US, the current standard of care consists of a combination regimen of carboplatin, trastuzumab, pertuzumab and a taxane.9,10 For patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer, achieving pCR, defined as no evidence of invasive cancer cells in the removed breast tissue or lymph nodes following treatment with neoadjuvant treatment, is an early indicator of improved long-term survival.11 Approximately half of patients (39
In the adjuvant setting, despite receiving additional treatment with current standard of care for residual disease, some patients still experience invasive disease or death.17 Once patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease, the five-year survival rate drops from nearly
DESTINY-Breast11
DESTINY-Breast11 is a global, multicenter, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) monotherapy or ENHERTU followed by THP compared to ddAC-THP in patients with high-risk HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer.
Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either eight cycles of ENHERTU monotherapy; four cycles of ENHERTU followed by four cycles of THP; or four cycles of ddAC followed by four cycles of THP.
The ENHERTU monotherapy arm was closed early following a recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee.
The primary endpoint of DESTINY-Breast11 is rate of pCR – defined as no evidence of invasive cancer cells in the removed breast cancer tissue or lymph nodes following treatment. Secondary endpoints include EFS, invasive disease-free survival, overall survival and safety.
DESTINY-Breast11 enrolled 927 patients across multiple sites in
DESTINY-Breast05
DESTINY-Breast05 is a global, multicenter, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) versus T-DM1 in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer with residual invasive disease in breast or axillary lymph nodes following neoadjuvant therapy and a high risk of recurrence. High risk of recurrence was defined as presentation with inoperable cancer (prior to neoadjuvant therapy) or pathologically positive axillary lymph nodes following neoadjuvant therapy.
Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 14 cycles of ENHERTU or T-DM1.
The primary endpoint of DESTINY-Breast05 is investigator-assessed IDFS, which is defined as the time from randomization until first invasive local, axillary or distant recurrence or death from any cause. Secondary endpoints include investigator-assessed DFS, overall survival, distant recurrence-free interval, brain metastasis-free interval and safety.
DESTINY-Breast05 enrolled 1,635 patients in
ENHERTU
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC Technology, ENHERTU is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in the US as an adjuvant treatment for adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have residual invasive disease following trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) and taxane-based treatment based on the DESTINY-Breast05 trial.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) followed by THP is approved in the US and
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) in combination with pertuzumab is approved in the US,
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 95 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen, either in the metastatic setting or in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 95 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 70 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ ISH-) or HER2-ultralow (IHC 0 with membrane staining) breast cancer, as determined by a locally or regionally authorized test, that have progressed on one or more endocrine therapies in the metastatic setting based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast06 trial.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 75 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by a locally or regionally approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Lung02 and/or DESTINY-Lung05 trials. Continued approval in
ENHERTU (6.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 85 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01, DESTINY-Gastric02 and/or DESTINY-Gastric04 trials.
ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 15 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options based on efficacy results from the DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, DESTINY-CRC02 and/or HERALD trials. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
ENHERTU clinical development program
A comprehensive global clinical development program is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU as a monotherapy, in combination or sequentially with other cancer medicines across multiple HER2-targetable cancers.
Daiichi Sankyo collaboration
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk in July 2020, except in
AstraZeneca in breast cancer
Driven by a growing understanding of breast cancer biology, AstraZeneca is challenging, and redefining, the current clinical paradigm for how breast cancer is classified and treated to deliver even more effective treatments to patients in need – with the bold ambition to one day eliminate breast cancer as a cause of death.
AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and promising compounds in development that leverage different mechanisms of action to address the biologically diverse breast cancer tumor environment.
With ENHERTU, AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are aiming to improve outcomes in previously treated HER2-positive, HER2-low and HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer, and expanding its potential in earlier lines of treatment and in new breast cancer settings.
In HR-positive breast cancer, AstraZeneca continues to improve outcomes with foundational medicines fulvestrant and goserelin and aims to reshape the HR-positive space with first-in-class AKT inhibitor, capivasertib, the TROP-2-directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk, and next-generation oral SERD and potential new medicine camizestrant.
PARP inhibitor olaparib is a targeted treatment option that has been studied in early and metastatic breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA mutation. AstraZeneca with Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the US and
To bring much-needed treatment options to patients with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, AstraZeneca is collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo to evaluate the potential of datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk alone and in combination with immunotherapy durvalumab.
AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.
The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.
AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in
References
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- Gao HF, et al. De-escalated neoadjuvant taxane plus trastuzumab and pertuzumab with or without carboplatin in HER2-positive early breast cancer (neoCARHP): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2025.
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Disclosure: Dr. Modi provides consulting and advisory services to AstraZeneca (and Daiichi Sankyo).
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Last Updated 05/26
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