Deruxtecan, also known as DS-8201, represents a breakthrough advancement in oncology. The discovery of Deruxtecan began with the identification of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a drug that is implicated in some types of cancer, including breast cancer. ) overexpressed proteins. Trastuzumab has revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Deruxtecan utilizes a complex mechanism of action to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The monoclonal antibody component of Deruxtecan binds to the HER2 receptor on the surface of cancer cells, promoting internalization of the ADC into the cell. Once inside the cancer cell, Deruxtecan undergoes enzymatic cleavage, releasing its cytotoxic payload, a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This potent cytotoxic agent disrupts DNA replication and induces apoptosis, effectively killing cancer cells and inhibiting tumor growth. Deruxtecan has shown significant efficacy in clinical trials across multiple cancer types, including HER2-positive breast cancer, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Its ability to induce durable responses and overcome resistance to existing therapies makes it a promising treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. In HER2-positive breast cancer, Deruxtecan demonstrated unprecedented response rates and durable clinical benefit in patients who had progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapies, including trastuzumab and pertuzumab.
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