“Results from the Destiny-Breast04 series of trials demonstrate that Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) provides a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with unresectable and/or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer regardless of hormone receptor status in comparison for chemotherapy, said the two pharmaceutical companies.
The drug is already approved in over 40 countries. However, it may only be used if it has been shown that the cancer overexpresses HER2. That is, the cancer produces large amounts of a protein called HER2 on the surface of the tumor cells, causing the tumor cells to grow faster. According to AstraZeneca, Enhertu is currently only used in patients who have received two or more anti-HER2 treatments.
Commenting on the latest study results, Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President of Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, said the classification and treatment of breast cancer could now be redesigned. HER2-targeted therapy has never previously shown benefit in patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, Galbraith said.
Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2, which is found in large amounts on some cancer cells. By binding to HER2, trastuzumab activates cells in the immune system, which then kill the cancer cells. Trastuzumab also prevents HER2 from stimulating cancer cell growth. About a quarter of all breast cancers overexpress HER2.
In London trading, the AstraZeneca share dropped 1.3 percent to 90.31 British pounds.
By Jaime Llinares Taboada
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