In a recent study presented at the International Gynecologic Cancer Society’s annual meeting, promising results were reported for trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), an antibody-drug conjugate, in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-expressing gynecologic cancers. Dr. Ritu Salani from the University of California Los Angeles discusses the findings from the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial and highlights the practice-changing potential of this treatment.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan, previously proven effective in breast cancer treatment, is now being studied in the context of gynecologic cancers, including cervix, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. The trial focused on patients with different levels of HER2 expression, identified through immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing. Although the study had a relatively small sample size and limited information on the patients’ prior treatments, the response rates observed in heavily pretreated patients were remarkable, especially in those with HER2 expression-positive tumors.
The results of the trial showed considerable response rates that have not been seen before in this patient population. Despite the challenges of heavily pretreated patients, trastuzumab deruxtecan demonstrated its potential to be a game-changer in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Both patients with IHC 2+ and 3+ expression levels experienced significant responses to the treatment, further highlighting its efficacy.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan has already had a significant impact in other areas, and it is now poised to revolutionize the management of gynecologic malignancies. This treatment holds promise across the panel of gynecologic cancers, including cervix, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Dr. Salani believes that with more research and understanding, trastuzumab deruxtecan may receive disease site-agnostic approval or even biomarker approval, enabling its use in a broader range of patients.
The findings from the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial offer hope for patients facing HER2-expressing gynecologic cancers. Trastuzumab deruxtecan has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and extend survival in a patient population that desperately needs more effective treatment options. Further investigation and clinical trials are warranted to fully understand the optimal use of this antibody-drug conjugate and its potential impact on different subtypes of gynecologic cancers.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan, an antibody-drug conjugate initially successful in breast cancer treatment, has shown promise in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-expressing gynecologic cancers. The response rates observed in the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial were impressive and may lead to a paradigm shift in the management of gynecologic malignancies. As more research becomes available, trastuzumab deruxtecan may receive broader approval and become a valuable addition to the treatment options for patients with gynecologic cancers.