Optimizing treatment management of trastuzumab deruxtecan in clinical practice of breast cancer

Introduction: The antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and has been evaluated in patients with HER2-positive unresectable/metastatic breast cancer in the phase II DESTINY-Breast01 trial (NCT03248492; DS8201-A-U201) and the randomized phase III DESTINY-Breast03 trial (NCT03529110; DS8201-A-U302). Approximately 20 additional studies are ongoing in breast cancer, including HER2-low breast cancer, and other solid tumor types within the DESTINY trial program. T-DXd has demonstrated a generally manageable safety profile, with low-grade hematologic and gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) among the most common; interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis has been observed in patients receiving T-DXd and can be severe. This review discusses the management of common AEs and AEs of special interest in patients with HER2-positive unresectable/metastatic breast cancer, including nausea and vomiting, neutropenia, infusion-related reactions, alopecia, fatigue, ILD/pneumonitis, and left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods: Expert opinions, institutional protocols, and strategies to help optimize AE management and maximize the potential benefits of T-DXd in patients with breast cancer from five oncologists treating patients with T-DXd in North America and Europe are discussed.

Results: Prophylaxis for nausea and vomiting and proactive management of ILD/pneumonitis are especially important in treating patients with T-DXd. Management strategies for other T-DXd-related AEs of interest (e.g. neutropenia, infusion-related reactions, alopecia, fatigue, and left ventricular dysfunction) are also discussed.

Conclusions: This review provides context for understanding the usage, monitoring, and management practices of other health care providers and institutions with experience using T-DXd to help with safe and effective management of T-DXd-related AEs, particularly since the duration of T-DXd treatment may be quite long. Proper management of T-DXd-related AEs will allow optimal exposure and benefit from T-DXd and will help avoid premature discontinuation or improper dose reductions.