Enhertu ^*

Enhertu is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion directly into your bloodstream. This procedure is always performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting like a hospital or an oncology clinic. The first infusion is typically given over 90 minutes, with subsequent infusions potentially being faster if the first one is well-tolerated by the patient. You cannot take this medication at home.

Your oncologist will determine how often you receive Enhertu based on your specific cancer type and treatment plan. For most approved conditions, the standard schedule is one infusion every three weeks (21 days). Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and any side effects to ensure this schedule remains appropriate for you throughout your course of treatment.

If you miss an appointment for your Enhertu infusion, you must contact your oncologist's office immediately. They will need to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible to maintain the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Consistent and timely administration is crucial for managing your cancer effectively and achieving the best possible outcome from the therapy.

Enhertu is a treatment, not a cure, for cancer. It is designed to treat certain advanced cancers by slowing their growth, shrinking tumors, and extending the time before the disease worsens. For many patients, it can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. The goal of Enhertu therapy in a metastatic setting is to control the disease for as long as possible.

Enhertu is approved for both conditions, which relate to the amount of HER2 protein on cancer cells. HER2-positive means there is a very high level of the protein, which causes cells to grow quickly. HER2-low means there are some HER2 proteins present, but not enough to be classified as HER2-positive. Historically, HER2-low tumors were treated like HER2-negative ones, but Enhertu is effective for this group.

Enhertu very commonly causes hair loss (alopecia) in patients. This happens because the chemotherapy component of the drug affects rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and hair follicles. Most patients will experience some degree of hair thinning or complete hair loss. This side effect is usually temporary, and hair typically begins to grow back after treatment is completed.

Before getting any vaccines while on Enhertu, you must speak with your oncologist. Enhertu can weaken your immune system, which might affect how your body responds to a vaccine. Live vaccines are generally not recommended during treatment. Your doctor can provide guidance on which vaccines, such as the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine, are safe and appropriate for you.

The duration of your treatment with Enhertu will be decided by your healthcare team. Generally, patients continue to receive Enhertu for as long as it is effectively controlling the cancer and the side effects remain manageable. Your oncologist will perform regular scans and tests to monitor the cancer's response to the drug and will adjust the plan as needed based on these results.

Enhertu has a risk of causing very serious side effects, noted in a boxed warning. The most significant is interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis, which can be fatal. You must immediately report any new cough or trouble breathing. Another serious risk is potential harm to an unborn baby. It may also cause a decrease in the heart's pumping function.

Enhertu can potentially weaken the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as cardiomyopathy or a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Your oncologist will monitor your heart function with tests like an echocardiogram (ECHO) or a MUGA scan before you start treatment and regularly throughout your therapy. This is done to catch any changes early and manage them appropriately.

Enhertu must not be used during pregnancy as it carries a high risk of causing severe harm or death to an unborn baby. It is also not recommended to breastfeed during treatment and for several months after the final dose. Women who are able to become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after stopping Enhertu.

Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), which is a type of targeted cancer therapy. It is made of three parts: a monoclonal antibody, a chemotherapy drug, and a linker molecule that holds them together. The antibody part finds a specific protein on cancer cells (HER2, in this case), allowing the ADC to attach and deliver the chemotherapy payload directly to the cancer cell.