Efficacy

Nerlynx (neratinib) Efficacy in Breast Cancer

Nerlynx (neratinib) is an oral medication specifically designed to treat adults with early-stage breast cancer. Its efficacy is most notable in patients who have already completed a course of trastuzumab therapy and whose tumors are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+). HER2 is a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. In a clinical trial known as ExteNET, patients who received neratinib after completing trastuzumab therapy showed a significant improvement in disease-free survival compared to those who received a placebo. This suggests that neratinib can effectively reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in a specific subset of patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer.

However, the benefits of Nerlynx must be weighed against its potential side effects. The most common adverse reactions include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, aspartate aminotransferase increased, nail disorder, dry skin, alanine aminotransferase increased, constipation, and weight decreased. Patients should be monitored closely and may require supportive treatments to manage these side effects.

Phesgo (pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase) Efficacy in Breast Cancer

Phesgo is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, pertuzumab and trastuzumab, with the enzyme hyaluronidase, and is administered by subcutaneous injection. This combination targets the HER2 protein and is used for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. It is approved for use in both early and metastatic breast cancer settings. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab, when used alongside chemotherapy, significantly improves progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, in the early breast cancer setting, the combination has been shown to increase the rate of pathological complete response when used as part of neoadjuvant treatment.

Phesgo offers the convenience of a subcutaneous injection, which can be administered in a shorter amount of time compared to intravenous infusions of pertuzumab and trastuzumab. This can significantly reduce the treatment burden for patients. As with any medical treatment, the use of Phesgo can result in side effects, which may include hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and neutropenia. Patients receiving Phesgo should be monitored for heart function due to the potential for cardiotoxicity associated with trastuzumab-containing products.