IS ENHERTU THE SAME AS HERCEPTIN?

 

As a leading provider of healthcare information, we understand that many people have questions about different cancer treatments and their effectiveness. One common question that comes up is whether Enhertu is the same as Herceptin. In this article, we aim to provide a detailed answer to this question and clear up any confusion.

Introduction

Enhertu and Herceptin are two different drugs that are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Both drugs target a specific protein called HER2, which is found in high levels in some types of breast cancer. However, while these drugs have a similar mechanism of action, they are not the same.

Enhertu

Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) is a newer drug that was approved by the FDA in December 2019 for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that works by delivering a cytotoxic agent directly to cancer cells that overexpress the HER2 protein. This targeted approach allows for more effective cancer cell killing while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Herceptin

Herceptin (trastuzumab) has been in use for much longer than Enhertu, having been approved by the FDA in 1998. Like Enhertu, Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein. However, unlike Enhertu, Herceptin does not deliver a cytotoxic agent to cancer cells. Instead, it works by blocking the signals that promote the growth and survival of HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

Differences between Enhertu and Herceptin

While both Enhertu and Herceptin target the HER2 protein, they work in different ways. Enhertu is an ADC, meaning that it delivers a cytotoxic agent directly to cancer cells, while Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the signals that promote cancer cell growth and survival. In addition, Enhertu is a newer drug than Herceptin, having been approved by the FDA in 2019, while Herceptin has been in use since 1998.

Which drug is better?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as both drugs have their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice of which drug to use will depend on various factors, including the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's medical history and overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Enhertu and Herceptin are two different drugs that target the HER2 protein in breast cancer. While they have a similar mechanism of action, they are not the same. Enhertu is an ADC that delivers a cytotoxic agent directly to cancer cells, while Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the signals that promote cancer cell growth and survival. The choice of which drug to use will depend on various factors, and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.