Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine (Kadcyla™)

Status: Potential NF2 Clinical Trial

Other Names	T-DM1, trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab-DM1,
Trade Name	Kadcyla™
Pharmaceutical Company	Genentech
Treatment By	IV - Injection
Treatment Form	Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)
Inhibitor	HER2 Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2

1. Treatment Information

On February 22, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved of Kadcyla for the treatment of people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

This medication may help NF2 tumors, but it is not in trial because of the severe side effects of Kadcyla are life threatening. But, this medication was developed using a new method of combining chemical compounds. This new method will allow for an entirely new line of treatments that will result in better management of a wide variety of tumour issues.

Not to be confused with Trastuzumab (Herclon™ or Herceptin™).

2. Side Effects

Minimal Side Effects:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts)
• Headache
• Increased liver enzyme levels
• Constipation

Severe Side Effects:

• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
• Rare cases of liver failure
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Nodular regenerative hyperplasia; heart damage (dysfunction of the left ventricle) and interstitial lung disease
• Acute interstitial pneumonitis; thrombocytopenia; and peripheral neuropathy

3. More Information

• FDA: FDA NEWS RELEASE FDA approves new treatment for late-stage breast cancer
• Cancernetwork: FDA Approves T-DM1 (Kadcyla) for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer