What's Happening?
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's drug Enhertu has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, according to recent data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress. Enhertu, an antibody-drug
conjugate (ADC), was shown to reduce the risk of invasive disease recurrence or death by 53% compared to Roche's Kadcyla in patients with high-risk early HER2-positive breast cancer. The study revealed that three years post-treatment, 92.4% of patients on Enhertu were alive and disease-free, compared to 83.7% on Kadcyla. Enhertu also achieved a 67.3% pathologic complete response rate in patients treated before surgery, surpassing the 56% rate of standard chemotherapy, while causing fewer severe side effects.
Why It's Important?
The promising results of Enhertu in early-stage breast cancer treatment could significantly impact the oncology field by potentially replacing traditional chemotherapy with more targeted therapies. This advancement aligns with AstraZeneca's strategy to expand the use of ADCs, which target cancer cells more precisely and spare healthy cells, reducing side effects. The success of Enhertu not only enhances its commercial potential but also supports the broader adoption of ADCs in cancer treatment. With HER2-positive breast cancer accounting for 15% to 20% of all breast cancers, the drug's effectiveness could benefit a substantial patient population, offering a more effective and less toxic treatment option.
What's Next?
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are advancing a comprehensive regulatory program for Enhertu, aiming to secure approvals across various countries. The companies anticipate that the primary challenge will be the time required for regulatory approvals rather than market adoption. Ensuring affordability and reimbursement for the drug will be crucial for its widespread use. With Enhertu already approved in over 75 countries for multiple cancer types, its expanded approval for early-stage breast cancer could further boost its market presence and sales, which reached $3.75 billion last year.
