Products
Trastuzumab emtansine is commercially available as a sterile powder for the preparation of an infusion solution concentrate (Kadcyla). It has been approved in many countries since 2013.
Structure and properties
Trastuzumab emtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets HER2. It consists of the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin), which is also linked via a linker to the microtubule inhibitor DM1 (a maytansine derivative).
Effects
Trastuzumab emtansine (ATC L01XC14) has cytotoxic and antitumor properties.
Indications
As monotherapy for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive, unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic breast cancer who are pretreated with trastuzumab and a taxane.
