Kadcyla (Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine) for Breast Cancer

Overview
Kadcyla is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat some cases of HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer. Kadcyla may be prescribed in cases where trastuzumab and a taxane drug have already been used, or where breast cancer has recurred within six months of adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment. Kadcyla is also known by its drug name, ado-trastuzumab emtansine.

In about 25 percent of breast cancers, there is a genetic variation that causes tumor cells to produce extra receptors for a growth factor. This gene, known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), causes the cancer to grow more aggressively. Kadcyla is a biologic drug of a type called antibody-drug conjugates. Antibody-drug conjugates consist of an antibody capable of targeting HER2-positive breast cancer cells attached to a drug that kills the targeted cells. Kadcyla is believed to work by targeting and killing breast cancer cells, thereby slowing the growth of tumors.

How do I take it?
Kadcyla is given as an intravenous injection once every three weeks during regular chemotherapy treatments.

Kadcyla comes in the form of single-use vials.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Kadcyla lists common side effects including fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets, which help blood clot), headache, increased liver enzymes, constipation and nosebleeds.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Kadcyla can include heart, lung, liver, immune system, and blood clotting problems. It can also cause nerve damage that can result in numbness, tingling or pain in hands and feet.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Kadcyla — Genentech
https://www.kadcyla.com