Metastatic Breast Cancer: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Achieves 13.2-Month mPFS

The phase 3 DESTINY-Breast06 trial has unveiled promising results for trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), an antibody-drug conjugate, in enhancing progression-free survival (PFS) among patients suffering from HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. These findings were presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

In the study, trastuzumab deruxtecan was shown to diminish the risk of disease progression or death by 38% compared to standard chemotherapy in the HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer cohort. Patients receiving trastuzumab deruxtecan exhibited a median PFS of 13.2 months, significantly longer than the 8.1 months observed in the chemotherapy group.

The benefits of trastuzumab deruxtecan were evident across the overall study population, which encompassed patients with both HR-positive, HER2-low, and HER2-negative disease. The drug demonstrated a 37% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death, maintaining a median PFS of 13.2 months compared to 8.1 months for those on chemotherapy.

Dr. Jane Doe, a distinguished oncologist, remarked, "The DESTINY-Breast06 findings are extraordinary, as trastuzumab deruxtecan is the first HER2-targeted therapy to show a clinically significant improvement in this patient group. This marks a substantial advancement in treating metastatic breast cancer, particularly for those with HR-positive, HER2-low disease who have restricted treatment choices."

The trial also reported notable response rates with trastuzumab deruxtecan. Within the HER2-low subgroup, the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) reached 56.5%, including 9 complete responses (CR) and 194 partial responses (PR). For the overall study population, the confirmed ORR was 57.3%, with 13 CRs and 237 PRs.

Crucially, the safety profile of trastuzumab deruxtecan aligned with earlier breast cancer trials, revealing no new safety issues. The most frequent grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (20.7%), leukopenia (6.9%), and anemia (5.8%).

Dr. John Smith, Chief Medical Officer at Daiichi Sankyo, commented, "These findings further affirm the potential of trastuzumab deruxtecan in addressing the significant unmet needs of metastatic breast cancer patients, especially those with HR-positive, HER2-low disease. We are eager to collaborate with our partner AstraZeneca to expedite the availability of this crucial new treatment option for patients."

The DESTINY-Breast06 trial represents a significant milestone in managing metastatic breast cancer, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options. With its impressive efficacy and manageable safety profile, trastuzumab deruxtecan is on track to become a new standard of care for this patient population.

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