TRASTUZUMAB EMTANSINE

Background and Date of Approval

Trastuzumab emtansine is a targeted therapy containing the active constituent trastuzumab emtansine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved trastuzumab emtansine on February 22, 2013, for treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously received trastuzumab and chemotherapy. This medication is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age. Before initiating treatment, inform your doctor if you have blood clot disorders, liver disorders, or known allergies.

Uses

Trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat adults with a type of breast cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body or has not improved after treatment with other medications.

How is it administered?

Trastuzumab emtansine is given as an Intravenous infusion by a healthcare provider. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and other factors such as your overall health and response to treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Trastuzumab emtansine may include nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, and fever. More serious side effects may include liver problems, heart problems, lung problems, bleeding, and a decrease in blood cell counts. Patients may also experience infusion-related reactions during treatment.

Warnings

Trastuzumab emtansine carries several warnings. It may cause serious or fatal liver, heart, or lung problems, which may occur suddenly and without warning. This medication may also increase the risk of bleeding and lower blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infection. Infusion-related reactions, such as fever, chills, and difficulty breathing, may also occur during treatment. Patients who have previously received anthracycline or doxorubicin chemotherapy may be at increased risk of heart problems during treatment.

Precautions

Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, bleeding disorders, or other medical conditions while taking Trastuzumab emtansine. Additionally, you may experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Trastuzumab emtansine. In that case, it's important to contact your healthcare provider immediately to determine if the symptoms are related to a drug interaction or another underlying condition.

Word of Advice

Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to trastuzumab emtansine to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Prior to starting treatment, notify your doctor if you have a history of lung disease or breathing difficulties. Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding for at least 7 months following your last dose. Cardiac function should be monitored regularly throughout treatment, as trastuzumab emtansine may affect heart performance. Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet to support your overall health.

References

Roche, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2022] [Accessed on 6th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3856.pdf Genentech Inc, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 6th May 2023], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/herceptin_prescribing.pdf Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Trastuzumab emtansine cure breast cancer?

Trastuzumab emtansine is not a cure for breast cancer, but it can help to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and improve the patient's symptoms and overall survival.

How long does Trastuzumab emtansine treatment last?

The length of Trastuzumab emtansine treatment will depend on the patient's case, including the stage and type of breast cancer and their response to the medication. In some cases, the treatment may continue for several months or years.

Can Trastuzumab emtansine cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a common side effect of Trastuzumab emtansine treatment, but some patients may experience thinning or loss of hair due to chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.

Does Trastuzumab emtansine cause heart problems?

Yes, Trastuzumab emtansine can damage the heart muscles. Hence to prevent the worsening of symptoms, it is advised to do a heart check-up every 3 months and continue till 2-5 years after the treatment completion.

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Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS