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Drug Guide
 
 

Trastuzumab-Emtansine

 
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  •  
    IV infusion
    Trastuzumab-Emtansine
    Kadcyla 
  • Mechanism of Action
  • Contains a monoclonal antibody directed toward HER2 (trastuzumab), linked to a chemotherapeutic agent (DM1), allowing for targeted delivery of cytotoxic chemotherapy to HER2-positive tumour cells.
  • Trastuzumab inhibits HER2 signalling pathways resulting in cell cycle arrest, and also mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
  • DM1 is a cytotoxic agent that binds to tubulin, preventing polymerisation and resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase.

Clinical Use

  • Indications

  • HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer refractory to trastuzumab.
  • Adverse Effects
  • Bone marrow suppression – leucopaenia, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia
  • Immunosuppression (susceptibility to infection)
  • Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cardiac dysfunction
  • Dyspnoea / wheeze
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Arthralgias / myalgias
  • LFT derangement
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Flushing
  • Weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Rash
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