Enhertu cancer drug shows enduring results in ongoing clinical trial

The latest results from a Phase II clinial trial into Enhertu shows consistently promising results, with a durable response in patients with various HER2-expressing tumours. 

Now, further results have been released from the DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial, looking into the efficacy of the drug, which has shown a positive and durable response in patients with multiple HER2-expressing advanced solid tumours. 

The trial includes patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic previously-treated, HER2-expressing solid tumours that are not eligible for curative therapy. This spans biliary tract, bladder, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and rare cancers. 

Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) is an engineered HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), which targets the HER2 tyrosine kinase receptor protein expressed on the surface of certain cells. The protein is involved in normal cell growth, but in cancer cells it can be overexpressed. 

The DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Enhertu as a HER2-targeted therapy. Currently, the safety profile of the drug is consistent with other similar trials. The data from the trial is due to be presented at upcoming meetings and submitted to relevant regulatory agencies for further evaluation. 

“Enhertu has already demonstrated its potential to improve outcomes for patients with HER2-targetable breast, gastric and lung cancers, and these positive initial results in other tumour settings with significant unmet need are very encouraging. The DESTINY-PanTumor02 results mark an important step forward in our understanding of the potential role of Enhertu across multiple HER2-expressing tumour types.” Stated Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca. 

Ken Takeshita, Global Head, R&D of Daiichi Sankyo, added: “The clinically meaningful responses seen in the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial reaffirm our belief in the potential of Enhertu across multiple HER2-expressing cancers. The results seen so far across multiple cohorts of the trial will inform next steps of our broad development programme as we look to bring this important medicine to as many patients as quickly as possible.”