Dr. Brenner on the Role of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Gastric Cancer

Warren S. Brenner, MD, co-chief, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Center for Hematology/Oncology, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Baptist Health South Florida, discusses the utilization of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) as a HER2-directed therapy in gastric cancer.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan has represented a major advancement in the second-line setting for patients with gastric cancer who have progressed in the front line setting with trastuzumab (Herceptin), Brenner says. In January 2021, the FDA approved trastuzumab deruxtecan for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a previous trastuzumab-based regimen.

The approval gave oncologists an active drug that works with a different mechanism and has produced significant activity in the second-line setting, Brenner notes. It is important to be aware of important adverse effects with trastuzumab deruxtecan, including the risk of interstitial lung disease, that must be monitored closely, Brenner concludes.