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Post-neoadjuvant Efficacy

In patients with HER2+ residual invasive BC in the post-neoadjuvant setting

Superior iDFS with ENHERTU vs T-DM1 in a head-to-head trial in the curative-intent setting1

Primary endpoint: iDFS

The DESTINY-Breast09 trial (N=1157), a head-to-head study of ENHERTU (n=383), THP: taxane for greater or equal to 6 cycles + trastuzumab + pertuzumab Q3W (n=387), and ENHERTU + placebo IQ Q3W (n=387) The DESTINY-Breast09 trial (N=1157), a head-to-head study of ENHERTU (n=383), THP: taxane for greater or equal to 6 cycles + trastuzumab + pertuzumab Q3W (n=387), and ENHERTU + placebo IQ Q3W (n=387)
53% reduced risk of invasive disease recurrence or death with ENHERTU vs T-DM1 (HR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.66; P<0.0001)c
  • Interim analysis (data cutoff July 2, 2025). Median duration of follow-up for ENHERTU: 29.9 months2
  • The analyses at 3 years are based on Kaplan-Meier estimates and are descriptive only; DESTINY-Breast05 was not powered to assess a statistical difference between treatment groups at this time point
design line
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommends fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (ENHERTU) as an NCCN Category 1, preferred option in the adjuvant setting for those with high risk of recurrence defined as inoperable cancer (cT4, N0-3, M0 or cT1-3, N2-3, M0) at presentation prior to neoadjuvant therapy or operable cancer (cT1-3, N0-1, M0) with axillary node–positive disease (ypN1-3) following preoperative therapy3

aNumber of events in the ENHERTU arm at 3 years: 51/818 (6.2%).1

bNumber of events in the T-DM1 arm at 3 years: 102/817 (12.5%).1

cThe stratified log-rank test P value is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0183 for this interim analysis (with 74% of the planned number of events for final analysis).1

In patients with HER2+ residual invasive BC in the post-neoadjuvant setting

iDFS rates measured in prespecified subgroups2

The DESTINY-Breast05 study protocol did not power the prespecified exploratory patient subgroup analysis to detect treatment effect differences between subgroups. Therefore, the clinical significance of these data cannot be determined.

In patients with HER2+ residual invasive BC in the post-neoadjuvant setting

ENHERTU was assessed across additional efficacy endpoints

ENHERTU (n=818)
ENHERTU
(n=818)
T-DM1 (n=817)
Disease-free survival (DFS)1,d
Number of events, n (%) 52 (6) 103 (13)
DFS rate at 3 years, % (95% CI) 92.3 (89.5, 94.3) 83.5 (79.9, 86.4)
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.47 (0.34, 0.66); P<0.0001e
ENHERTU (n=818)
ENHERTU
(n=818)
T-DM1 (n=817)
Brain metastases–free interval (BMFI)2,f
Number of events, n (%) 17 (2.1) 26 (3.2)
BMFI rate at 3 years, % (95% CI) 97.6 (96.2, 98.5) 95.8 (93.6, 97.2)
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.64 (0.35, 1.17)
Distant recurrence–free interval (DRFI)2,g
Number of events, n (%) 42 (5.1) 81 (9.9)
DRFI rate at 3 years, % (95% CI) 93.9 (91.4, 95.7) 86.1 (82.5, 89.1)
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.49 (0.34, 0.71)
Overall survival (OS)2,h
Number of events, n (%) 18 (2.2) 29 (3.5)
Maturity 2.9%
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.61 (0.34, 1.10)

Although DFS was powered for statistical significance, the DFS rates at 3 years are based on Kaplan-Meier estimates and are descriptive only; DESTINY-Breast05 was not powered to assess a statistical difference between treatment groups at this time point. The DESTINY-Breast05 protocol did not power BMFI, DRFI, and OS (secondary endpoints) to detect differences between treatment arms. Therefore, no statistical conclusions can be made and the clinical significance of these data cannot be determined.

dDFS was defined as the time between randomization and the date of the first occurrence of an iDFS event (including death from any cause), including a second primary nonbreast invasive cancer event or contralateral or ipsilateral ductal carcinoma in situ.4

eThe stratified log-rank test P value is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0144 for this interim analysis (with 70% of the planned number of events for final analysis).1

fBMFI was defined as the time between randomization and the date of documentation of brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease. BMFI was determined based on disease recurrence per investigator.4

gDRFI was defined as the time between randomization and the date of distant breast cancer recurrence. DRFI was determined based on disease recurrence per investigator.4

hOS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of death from any cause. If death is not reported for a patient before data cutoff for the OS analysis, OS will be censored at the last contact date at which the patient is known to be alive.4

BC, breast cancer; BMFI, brain metastases–free interval; CI, confidence interval; DFS, disease-free survival; DRFI, distant recurrence–free interval; HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; HR, hazard ratio; iDFS, invasive disease–free survival; IHC, immunohistochemistry; ISH, in situ hybridization; NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®); OS, overall survival; T-DM1, ado-trastuzumab emtansine.

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including severe, life-threatening, and fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
  • Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
INDICATION

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for:

  • HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
    • As neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) Stage II or III breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test followed by a taxane, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP)

    • As adjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have residual invasive disease following neoadjuvant trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) and taxane-based treatment

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose 1 level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks. In the adjuvant HER2+ breast cancer setting, if drug-induced ILD is suspected, rule out radiotherapy-related pneumonitis. If only radiotherapy-related pneumonitis is suspected, consider interruption of ENHERTU for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue ENHERTU for Grade ≥3.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and Other Solid Tumors (5.4 mg/kg)

ENHERTU followed by THP

In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, ILD occurred in 4.4% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.7 months (range: 1.1 to 6.0). Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 1 patient (0.3%) treated with ENHERTU followed by THP.

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by 1 level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3º C or a sustained temperature of ≥38º C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by 1 level.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and Other Solid Tumors (5.4 mg/kg)

ENHERTU followed by THP

In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 58% of patients. Seventeen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 42 days (range: 11 to 165). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 0.9% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVD through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and Other Solid Tumors (5.4 mg/kg)

ENHERTU followed by THP

In patients treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11, LVD was reported in 1.3% of patients, of which 0.3% were Grade 3.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by 1 level.

Adverse Reactions

HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast11

The safety of ENHERTU followed by THP was evaluated in 320 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) early breast cancer who received at least 1 dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP in DESTINY-Breast11. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks for 4 cycles followed by THP for 4 cycles. The median duration of treatment was 5.6 months (range: 0.7 to 9.1) for patients who received ENHERTU followed by THP.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 11% of patients receiving ENHERTU followed by THP, including COVID-19 (0.9%) and ILD/pneumonitis (0.6%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.6% of patients, including ILD/pneumonitis and death not otherwise specified (1 patient each).

In patients treated with ENHERTU followed by THP, the permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 1.3%, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 0.6%. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 11% of patients. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were decreased neutrophil count and COVID-19. Dose reductions of ENHERTU occurred in 2.5% of patients treated with ENHERTU.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in patients treated with ENHERTU followed by THP, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (83%), increased alanine aminotransferase (79%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (74%), decreased white blood cell count (67%), nausea (65%), peripheral neuropathy (59%), diarrhea (59%), decreased neutrophil count (58%), alopecia (48%), fatigue (41%), decreased lymphocyte count (40%), rash (31%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), decreased blood potassium (29%), constipation (29%), vomiting (29%), stomatitis (23%), and decreased appetite (20%).

DESTINY-Breast05

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 806 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer with residual invasive disease following neoadjuvant HER2-targeted therapy who then received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks for 14 cycles. The median duration of treatment was 10 months (range: 0.7 to 16) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 17% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, radiation pneumonitis, pneumonia, and platelet count decreased. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.4% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (2 patients) and respiratory tract infection (1 patient).

Permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU due to an adverse reaction occurred in 18% of patients. The adverse reaction which resulted in permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU >2% included ILD/pneumonitis. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to an adverse reaction occurred in 50% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruptions in >2% included radiation pneumonitis, neutrophil count decreased, COVID-19, white blood cell count decreased, ILD/pneumonitis, platelet count decreased, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, cough, and pyrexia. Dose reductions of ENHERTU due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose reductions in >2% of patients included nausea, fatigue, platelet count decreased, ILD/pneumonitis, and neutrophil count decreased.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, in patients receiving ENHERTU were decreased white blood cell count (80%), decreased lymphocyte count (72%), decreased neutrophil count (72%), nausea (71%), decreased hemoglobin (61%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (60%), fatigue (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (53%), decreased platelet count (46%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (39%), constipation (32%), vomiting (31%), decreased blood potassium (27%), diarrhea (23%), musculoskeletal pain (23%), and decreased appetite (20%).

ILD was reported in 17% of patients receiving ENHERTU, which included COVID-19 pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, lung opacity, organizing pneumonia, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, pneumonia, and pneumonitis which was adjudicated as ILD (irrespective of causality). Adjudicated drug-related ILD for ENHERTU was 10% for all Grades and 0.9% for Grades 3 or 4.

Use in Specific Populations

  • Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.
  • Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
  • Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
  • Geriatric Use: ENHERTU followed by THP: Of the 320 patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg followed by THP, 12% were ≥65 years and 1.6% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients ≥65 years (38%) as compared to younger patients (30%).
  • Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).
  • Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, monitor for increased adverse reactions related to the topoisomerase inhibitor, DXd. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and click here for Medication Guide.

INDICATION

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for:

  • HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
    • As neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) Stage II or III breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-authorized test followed by a taxane, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP)

    • As adjuvant treatment of adult patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH+) breast cancer who have residual invasive disease following neoadjuvant trastuzumab (with or without pertuzumab) and taxane-based treatment

References
  • ENHERTU. Prescribing information. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; 2026.
  • Loibl S, Park YH, Shao Z, et al; DESTINY-Breast05 Trial Investigators. Trastuzumab deruxtecan in residual HER2-positive early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2026;394(9):845-857.
  • Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Breast Cancer V.3.2026. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. Accessed May 8, 2026. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.
  • Loibl S, Park YH, Shao Z, et al; DESTINY-Breast05 Trial Investigators. Protocol for: Trastuzumab deruxtecan in residual HER2-positive early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2026;394(9):845-857.
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