What is Enhertu?
Enhertu, also known as fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, is a targeted cancer therapy used for HER2-positive cancers such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer. It is not a regular chemotherapy drug—it’s an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).
This means Enhertu works by attaching to cancer cells with HER2 protein and delivering a chemotherapy-like drug directly into them. This reduces damage to normal cells compared to traditional chemotherapy.
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Who Manufactures Enhertu?
Enhertu is developed and marketed by:
- Daiichi Sankyo (Japan-based pharmaceutical company)
- AstraZeneca (global biopharmaceutical leader)
Both companies jointly handle research, production, and worldwide distribution.
Is Enhertu Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy?
This is one of the most common questions: “Is Enhertu a chemotherapy or immunotherapy?”
The answer is: Enhertu is both a targeted therapy and a chemotherapy.
- It uses trastuzumab (a monoclonal antibody), which works like immunotherapy.
- It carries a chemotherapy drug (deruxtecan) directly to the cancer cells.
So, Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that combines the benefits of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Medical Uses of Enhertu
Enhertu is approved for:
- HER2-positive breast cancer (metastatic or unresectable)
- HER2-low breast cancer (patients who progressed after prior treatment)
- HER2-positive gastric cancer
- HER2-positive lung cancer (NSCLC) – in clinical use
Doctors prescribe Enhertu when other treatments have stopped working, giving patients another chance at survival.
Enhertu Success Rate & Survival Benefits
Studies show Enhertu has significantly improved survival rates in HER2-positive cancer patients.
- In clinical trials, Enhertu reduced the risk of disease progression by 50–60% compared to standard treatments.
- Patients lived longer without disease worsening (progression-free survival).
- Enhertu has been called a “game-changer” in HER2 cancer therapy.
💡 Survival Rate: Research shows that patients on Enhertu had a median survival of around 23–25 months, which is higher than standard chemo treatments.
Common Side Effects of Enhertu
Like all cancer medicines, Enhertu has side effects. The most common ones include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Low blood cell counts (anemia, low platelets)
- Cough
Side Effects
Some patients may develop serious side effects, including:
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) – can cause severe breathing problems
- Heart problems (decreased heart pumping ability)
- Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration
- Very low white blood cell count (risk of infections)
👉 If any of these occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Warnings and Precautions Before Taking Enhertu
Before starting Enhertu, patients should tell their doctor if they:
- Have lung problems (risk of ILD)
- Have heart conditions
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (Enhertu can harm unborn babies)
- Take other cancer or heart medicines
- Have a weak immune system
Doctors usually run heart tests (echocardiogram) and monitor lung health before starting Enhertu.
Enhertu Dosage and Administration
- Enhertu dose: Usually 5.4 mg/kg of body weight
- Given as an IV infusion every 3 weeks
- Treatment continues until cancer progresses or side effects become unmanageable
Doctors may adjust the dose if patients experience severe side effects.
Drug Interactions with Enhertu
Enhertu may interact with other cancer medicines, heart drugs, or antibiotics. Patients should always:
- Inform doctors about all current medicines
- Avoid over-the-counter supplements without medical advice
- Not combine with other strong chemotherapy drugs unless prescribed
Enhertu Price & Availability
Enhertu Price in India
- Enhertu is available in India but at a very high cost.
- The price in India can range between ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh per vial, depending on the hospital and supplier.
Global Pricing of Enhertu
- In the US, the cost is around $13,000–15,000 per dose.
- In Europe, prices vary but are also very high, making it one of the most expensive cancer treatments today.
Before Taking Enhertu
- Get tested for HER2 status before treatment
- Inform doctor about pregnancy plans
- Get heart and lung function tests
- Be ready for regular monitoring during treatment
- Arrange financial support (insurance, assistance programs) due to high cost
FAQs About Enhertu
Q1: Is Enhertu a chemotherapy?
Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines both chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Q2: What is the price of Enhertu in India?
The price ranges between ₹2.5–3.5 lakh per vial, depending on hospital and supplier.
Q3: What is the survival rate with Enhertu?
Clinical studies show median survival up to 23–25 months, which is higher compared to standard chemotherapy.
Q4: Who manufactures Enhertu?
Enhertu is co-developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca.
Q5: How is Enhertu given?
It is given as an IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Q6: Can Enhertu cure cancer permanently?
Enhertu is not a permanent cure but it extends survival and slows cancer progression significantly.
