Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) vs Retsevmo (selpercatinib)

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) vs Retsevmo (selpercatinib)

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a targeted therapy designed to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and is a conjugate of an antibody and a chemotherapy drug, allowing direct delivery of the chemotherapeutic to cancer cells. Retsevmo (selpercatinib), on the other hand, is a selective RET kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of certain types of thyroid cancer and non-small cell lung cancer with specific RET gene alterations. The choice between Enhertu and Retsevmo would depend on the specific type of cancer a patient has and the presence of certain molecular markers; HER2 overexpression would necessitate Enhertu, while RET mutations would call for Retsevmo.

Difference between Enhertu and Retsevmo

Metric Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) Retsevmo (selpercatinib)
Generic name Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki Selpercatinib
Indications HER2-positive breast cancer, HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma RET-altered thyroid cancers, RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer
Mechanism of action Antibody-drug conjugate targeting HER2 Kinase inhibitor targeting RET signaling pathways
Brand names Enhertu Retsevmo
Administrative route Intravenous infusion Oral
Side effects Nausea, fatigue, vomiting, alopecia, constipation, decreased appetite, anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea, cough Elevated liver enzymes, hypertension, fatigue, edema, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation
Contraindications History of interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, hypersensitivity to active or inactive components Hypersensitivity to selpercatinib, QT prolongation, hepatic impairment
Drug class Antineoplastic agent Kinase inhibitor
Manufacturer AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo Eli Lilly and Company

Efficacy

Efficacy of Enhertu in Lung Cancer

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a targeted therapy designed to treat HER2-positive cancers. In the context of lung cancer, Enhertu has shown promising efficacy for patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical trials have demonstrated that Enhertu can lead to significant tumor shrinkage in a substantial proportion of patients with this specific type of lung cancer. The response rate and the duration of response observed in these trials suggest that Enhertu is a valuable treatment option for patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC who have previously undergone treatment with other therapies.

It is important to note that Enhertu's efficacy in lung cancer is specifically associated with tumors that have a HER2 mutation. HER2 mutations are relatively rare in lung cancer, occurring in only a small percentage of patients. However, for those with this mutation, Enhertu has been recognized as a breakthrough therapy, offering a new line of treatment where limited options were available.

Efficacy of Retsevmo in Lung Cancer

Retsevmo (selpercatinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of lung cancers associated with RET (rearranged during transfection) gene alterations. In patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC, Retsevmo has shown substantial efficacy, with high response rates and durable responses in clinical trials. The treatment has been particularly effective for patients who are treatment-naive or have previously been treated with platinum chemotherapy, offering a new hope for those with advanced RET-driven lung cancers.

The approval of Retsevmo was based on the results of a clinical trial that demonstrated significant and long-lasting responses in patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC. Retsevmo's targeted approach allows for the direct inhibition of RET signaling pathways, which are crucial for the growth and survival of RET-driven cancer cells. This precision medicine approach has been a significant advancement in the treatment of lung cancer, providing a highly effective option for a subset of patients with specific genetic alterations.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Enhertu
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
Retsevmo
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Enhertu or Retsevmo today

If Enhertu or Retsevmo are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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