HER2-positive early breast cancer is characterized by overexpression of HER2, which may contribute to tumor growth and recurrence risk. Kadcyla, an FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugate, targets HER2-positive cancer cells by binding to HER2 receptors and delivering a cytotoxic agent directly to destroy the cells and inhibit growth.
The recommended dose of KADCYLA is 3.6 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (21-day cycle). The first infusion should be administered over 90 minutes. If prior infusions are well tolerated, subsequent infusions may be administered over 30 minutes. For early breast cancer (EBC), treatment is given for up to 14 cycles, unless there is disease recurrence or unmanageable toxicity. Permanently discontinue KADCYLA for life-threatening infusion-related reactions.
Serious side effects include liver toxicity, cardiotoxicity, lung disease, infusion-related reactions, and embryo-fetal toxicity. Serious allergic or anaphylactic-like reactions have been observed in clinical trials of single-agent KADCYLA, and medications to treat such reactions, as well as emergency equipment, should be available for immediate use. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, increased transaminases, musculoskeletal pain, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, headache, peripheral neuropathy, and arthralgia. Immediate medical attention is required if severe symptoms, like shortness of breath or swelling, occur.