IS ENHERTU CHEMOTHERAPY OR IMMUNOTHERAPY?

 At Enhertu, we understand that cancer treatment can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of treatments available. One of the most common questions we receive is whether Enhertu is chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In this article, we'll explore the answer to this question and provide a detailed explanation of Enhertu and its mechanism of action.

What is Enhertu?

Enhertu is a type of cancer treatment known as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It is approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be surgically removed. HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of cancer that produces too much of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Enhertu targets HER2-positive cancer cells, which makes it different from traditional chemotherapy drugs that can harm both cancerous and healthy cells.

Is Enhertu Chemotherapy?

No, Enhertu is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. While chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, it can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as hair follicle cells and the cells lining the digestive tract. Enhertu, on the other hand, is a targeted therapy that specifically targets HER2-positive cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone.

Is Enhertu Immunotherapy?

No, Enhertu is not considered an immunotherapy either. Immunotherapy works by boosting the body's immune system to help it recognize and fight cancer cells. Enhertu, on the other hand, works by binding to HER2-positive cancer cells and delivering a toxic payload that destroys the cancer cell from within.

How Does Enhertu Work?

Enhertu is made up of two components: a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein and a chemotherapy drug that is attached to the antibody. The antibody acts like a homing device, specifically targeting HER2-positive cancer cells, while the chemotherapy drug is released inside the cell, killing it from within.

Enhertu is designed to be highly selective in its targeting of cancer cells, meaning that it only targets cells that have a high level of HER2 expression. This makes it more effective than traditional chemotherapy drugs, which can harm healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Enhertu is not considered chemotherapy or immunotherapy. It is a targeted therapy that works by specifically targeting HER2-positive cancer cells and delivering a toxic payload that destroys the cancer cell from within. This makes it an effective treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, talk to your doctor about whether Enhertu is right for you.