Sacituzumab Govitecan is an antibody-drug conjugate medicine used to treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. It is composed of an antibody (sacituzumab) that binds to a certain protein found on the surface of some cancer cells, and a chemotherapy drug (govitecan) attached to the antibody. The antibody helps deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells, reducing the risk of side effects to other parts of the body. Sacituzumab Govitecan is approved for use in adults with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have previously received at least two other treatments.
Sacituzumab govitecan, sold under the brand name Trodelvy, is a medication used to treat specific types of advanced cancers. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Type of medication:
- Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) [1, 2]. This means it combines a monoclonal antibody with a chemotherapy drug.
Conditions it treats:
- Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): This is an aggressive form of breast cancer that doesn't have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 protein [1, 2]. Sacituzumab govitecan is typically used when other treatments haven't been successful.
- Metastatic urothelial cancer (UC): This is cancer that forms in the lining of the urinary tract (bladder, ureters, kidneys) [1]. Similar to TNBC, sacituzumab govitecan is used after other treatments have failed.
How it works:
- The antibody part (sacituzumab) targets a protein called TROP-2, which is often overexpressed on cancer cells [1, 2].
- Once attached to the cancer cell, the antibody-drug conjugate is internalized by the cell.
- Inside the cell, the chemotherapy drug (govitecan) is released, where it disrupts DNA replication and kills the cancer cell [1, 2].
Availability:
- Comes as an injection typically administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting [1].
Important things to know:
- Sacituzumab govitecan can cause severe side effects, including low blood cell counts (increasing infection risk), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and nerve problems [1, 2].
- It's not suitable for everyone and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding [1].
- It can interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all medications you take [1].
- Regular blood tests are needed while taking sacituzumab govitecan to monitor for side effects [1].
Before taking Sacituzumab govitecan:
- Discuss your medical history and any other medications you take with your doctor [1].
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems or a weakened immune system [1].