HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates show positive Phase III trial results

Recent clinical trial results for two antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting HER2 have demonstrated significant efficacy in treating advanced cancers.

Daiichi Sankyo reported positive results from the global Phase III DESTINY-Lung04 trial for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan). In patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring HER2 mutations, the drug showed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 14.3 months, compared to 8.3 months for standard chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab. This represents a 37% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death.

Separately, Kelun-Biotech announced that results from its Phase III study of Disitamab Vedotin (SKB264) were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study compared the drug against T-DM1 for treating HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer. The Disitamab Vedotin group achieved a median PFS of 11.1 months versus 4.4 months for the T-DM1 group. The study also noted a higher objective response rate (76.9% vs 53.0%) and a favorable safety profile with lower rates of interstitial lung disease and other toxicities compared to T-DM1.