A treatment that targets cancer cells: Let's learn about Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Enhertu)

We know that fighting cancer is not easy. It is normal to feel a lot of fear and anxiety when you hear words like "Chemotherapy" during that journey. But with the advancement of medical science, there are now "Targeted Therapy" methods that target only cancer cells and minimize damage to healthy cells in the body. Today we are going to talk about one such very important and advanced drug. That is Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a drug that works like a "smart bomb." Let's understand this a little more simply.

Think of it this way: Cancer cells are like enemies hiding in a city. The old chemo treatments used to bomb the city and destroy the enemies. But in doing so, they also harm innocent people and homes. That means they also harm healthy cells in the body.

But this medicine called Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan has two parts.

1. Trastuzumab part: This is like a GPS system. It works by finding a specific protein (called HER2) on the surface of cancer cells and attaching to it.

2. Deruxtecan part: This is the deadly bomb. After the Trastuzumab part finds and attaches to the cancer cell, it releases this powerful chemo drug called Deruxtecan directly into the cancer cell.

In this way, the drug can target and destroy only the cancer cells , while greatly reducing damage to healthy cells. This stops or controls the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment

It is important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health status before deciding if this treatment is right for you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, please tell your doctor.

• If you have any heart disease or heart failure .
• If you currently have any infection , especially a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
• If you have any liver disease .
• If you have breathing difficulties such as lung disease , asthma, or COPD.
• If you have an allergy to this Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .

How will this medicine be given to you?

This medicine is given as an intravenous infusion, similar to a saline solution. This is done in a hospital or clinic, under the direct supervision of a medical team of doctors and nurses.

Before each treatment session, you will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) that contains information about this medicine. It is very important to read and understand it carefully each time.

Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine

You will need to pay a little more attention to some aspects of your lifestyle while undergoing this treatment.

About pregnancy and breastfeeding

This is a very important matter.

• Women: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 7 months after stopping treatment. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
• Men: You should avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping treatment.
• Avoid breastfeeding your baby completely while taking this medicine and for 7 months after the last dose.

The ingredients in this medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.

Impact on male fertility

This medicine may cause a decrease in sperm count in some men. This may affect their ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.

Bleeding, bruising, and infections

• This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising . If you bruise more easily than usual or if bleeding does not stop from a small cut, tell your medical team.
• Be careful when brushing your teeth and using toothpicks. Your gums may bleed. If you are going to have any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
• This medicine increases the risk of infection . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. Minimize your visits to places where sick people are.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of any symptoms and inform your doctor as soon as possible.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please seek medical advice.

Cancer, cancer treatment, Enhertu, Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, chemotherapy, chemotherapy, side effects, cancer medicine, targeted therapy