Enhertu vs Kadcyla

Side-by-side comparison of Enhertu and Kadcyla — mechanism, indications, safety, trials, sponsor, and pricing.

At a glance

EnhertuKadcyla
Generic nameEnhertutrastuzumab-emtansine
SponsorWashington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical CenterRoche
Drug classAntibody-drug conjugate
Molecular targetDNA topoisomerase 1, Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2
ModalitySmall moleculeMonoclonal antibody
PhaseFDA-approvedFDA-approved
Therapeutic areaOncologyOncology
First approval2013

Mechanism of action

Enhertu
KadcylaTrastuzumab emtansine is a HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate that works by binding to the HER2 receptor and releasing a cytotoxic agent.

Approved indications

Enhertu

  • Advanced HER2positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma
  • Metastatic human epidermal growth factor 2 positive carcinoma of breast

Kadcyla

  • Adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer
  • Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have received prior trastuzumab-based therapy
  • Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients for whom trastuzumab and pertuzumab are indicated
  • Treatment of HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received prior anti-HER2-based therapy

Common side effects

Enhertu

  • Decreased white blood cell count
  • Decreased hemoglobin
  • Decreased neutrophil count
  • Nausea
  • Increased alanine aminotransferase
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased aspartate aminotransferase
  • Decreased lymphocyte count

Kadcyla

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Hemorrhage
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Increased transaminases
  • Headache
  • Constipation

Boxed warnings

Enhertu

No boxed warnings.

Kadcyla

  • WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY, CARDIAC TOXICITY, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Hepatotoxicity: Serious hepatotoxicity has been reported, including liver failure and death in patients treated with KADCYLA. Monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin prior to initiation of KADCYLA treatment and prior to each KADCYLA dose. Reduce dose or discontinue KADCYLA as appropriate in cases of increased serum transaminases or total bilirubin. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Cardiac Toxicity: KADCYLA administration may lead to reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Evaluate left ventricular function in all patients prior to and during treatment with KADCYLA. Withhold treatment for clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Exposure to KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY, CARDIAC TOXICITY, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in KADCYLA-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and prior to each dose. Institute dose modifications or permanently discontinue as appropriate. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) KADCYLA may lead to reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Assess LVEF prior to initiation. Monitor and withhold dosing or discontinue as appropriate. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Exposure to KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

Further reading