Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) vs Zepzelca (lurbinectedin)

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is an antibody-drug conjugate specifically indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting. Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) is a small molecule oncology drug used for the treatment of adults with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. When deciding between Enhertu and Zepzelca, it is crucial to consider the specific type of cancer being treated, as Enhertu is tailored for HER2-positive breast cancer, while Zepzelca is indicated for a different type of cancer, namely SCLC.

Difference between Enhertu and Zepzelca

Metric	Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki)	Zepzelca (lurbinectedin)
Generic name	Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki	Lurbinectedin
Indications	HER2-positive breast cancer, HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma	Metastatic small cell lung cancer
Mechanism of action	Antibody-drug conjugate targeting HER2-expressing cancer cells	Trabectedin analog that binds to the minor groove of DNA, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Brand names	Enhertu	Zepzelca
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Nausea, fatigue, vomiting, alopecia, constipation, decreased appetite, anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea, leukopenia, cough, and thrombocytopenia	Fatigue, leukopenia, lymphopenia, anemia, increased creatinine, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased glucose, nausea, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain, dyspnea, and diarrhea
Contraindications	History of interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, severe hypersensitivity to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki or excipients	Hypersensitivity to lurbinectedin or any of its excipients
Drug class	Antibody-drug conjugate	Alkylating drug
Manufacturer	Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca	Pharma Mar

Efficacy

Efficacy of Enhertu in Lung Cancer

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a targeted therapy designed to treat HER2-positive cancers. Its efficacy in lung cancer has been specifically studied in patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The drug is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines an antibody targeting the HER2 protein with a cytotoxic agent. Clinical trials have demonstrated promising results, with Enhertu showing a significant impact on tumor size and progression-free survival in patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC. The response rate in these trials indicates that Enhertu can be an effective treatment option for this specific group of lung cancer patients.

Efficacy of Zepzelca in Lung Cancer

Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) is a newer chemotherapeutic agent that has shown efficacy in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This drug works by inhibiting the transcription process in cancer cells, leading to cell death. In clinical trials, Zepzelca has demonstrated a manageable safety profile and has provided a measurable response in patients with relapsed SCLC. The overall response rate and duration of response have been noteworthy in the context of SCLC, which is known for its aggressive nature and limited treatment options after first-line therapy.

Comparative Considerations

When comparing Enhertu and Zepzelca, it is important to note that they are used to treat different types of lung cancer. Enhertu is used for HER2-mutant NSCLC, while Zepzelca is indicated for SCLC. Both medications represent significant advances in the treatment of their respective lung cancer types, offering new hope for patients who have progressed on other therapies. However, the efficacy of each drug is specific to the type of lung cancer it is designed to treat, and they are not interchangeable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Enhertu and Zepzelca have shown efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer, albeit in different subsets of the disease. Enhertu has emerged as a valuable option for patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC, while Zepzelca has been effective in treating patients with relapsed SCLC. The introduction of these targeted therapies provides clinicians with more tools to combat lung cancer and offers patients personalized treatment options based on the molecular characteristics of their tumors.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Enhertu

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

Zepzelca

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Enhertu or Zepzelca today

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

Buy Enhertu

Buy Zepzelca

How it works

Make an enquiry

Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Breeze through the paperwork

We'll guide you through the required documents for importing unapproved medicine, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

Get a personalized quote

We’ll prepare a quote for you, including medicine costs and any shipping, administrative, or import fees that may apply.

Receive your medicine

Accept the quote and we’ll handle the rest - sourcing and safely delivering your medicine.

Some text on this page has been automatically generated. Speak to your physician before you start a new treatment or medication.

Let's talk

If you have any questions, call us or send us a message through WhatsApp or email: