Datroway
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) is an antibody–drug conjugate that treats certain types of advanced or metastatic breast cancers and non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It's usually used when other treatments haven’t worked and surgery isn’t an option. You typically receive the medication as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinic, once every 3 weeks. Common side effects include mouth sores, nausea, and tiredness.
What is Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)?
What is Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) used for?
- Advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults with certain EGFR mutations who’ve already been treated with other medications and platinum‑based chemotherapy
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-) in adults who’ve already been treated with hormone therapy and chemotherapy
How Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) works
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) is an antibody–drug conjugate that’s made up of 2 parts: an antibody that targets a protein in the body called Trop-2 and an anticancer medication called DXd.
The antibody part attaches to the Trop-2 protein on cancer cells to get inside. Once inside, the anticancer part DXd damages the tumor cell’s DNA. This stops cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Datroway |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antibody-drug conjugate |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
NSCLC:
- Mouth sores (71%)
- Nausea (50%)
- Hair loss (49%)
- Tiredness (42%)
- Lower blood cell counts (up to 34%)
- Rise in calcium levels (31%)
- Constipation (31%)
- Rise in liver enzyme levels (up to 28%)
- Muscle and bone pain (22%)
- Rash (20%)
- Reduced appetite (20%)
Breast cancer:
- Mouth sores (59%)
- Nausea (56%)
- Tiredness (44%)
- Lower blood cell counts (up to 41%)
- Lower calcium levels (39%)
- Hair loss (38%)
- Constipation (34%)
- Dry eye (27%)
- Eye problems (24%)
- Vomiting (24%)
- Rise in liver enzyme levels (up to 24%)
Less Common Side Effects
NSCLC:
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- COVID-19
- Dry eye
- Eye problems
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Infusion reaction
- Dry skin
Breast cancer:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Reduced appetite
- COVID-19
- Cough
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itching
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Lung problems: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, fever, chest tightness, wheezing
- Eye problems: eye pain, redness, swelling, light sensitivity, blurred vision, more tearing
- Mouth ulcers and sores: painful mouth ulcers, trouble eating or drinking, mouth swelling or redness
The following Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Dry eyes
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting
Pros and cons of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)
Pros
- Targeted therapy that delivers the anticancer medication directly into cancer cells
- Given once every 3 weeks
- Can work after other treatments stop working
Cons
- Requires IV infusions and monitoring in a clinic
- Mouth sores are common and can be severe
- Will need regular eye care during treatment
Pharmacist tips for Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)
- Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) usually takes about 90 minutes for your first infusion, followed by at least 1 hour of observation to make sure you don't have serious reactions. If you do well, later infusions are often about 30 minutes with at least 30 minutes of observation.
- Before each Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) infusion, you’ll get medications to help prevent nausea and infusion reactions. These usually include anti-nausea medications like ondansetron, as well as diphenhydramine and acetaminophen.
- If you miss a dose of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan), call your cancer care team as soon as you can. They’ll adjust your schedule to keep about 3 weeks between doses.
- Start eye care on day one of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan). Use preservative‑free artificial tears at least 4 times a day and as needed, avoid contact lenses unless your eye specialist says it’s okay, and keep up with regular eye exams to help prevent eye problems.
- Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) commonly causes mouth sores. You will likely need to use a steroid mouthwash like dexamethasone 4 times a day and as needed. You'll also be asked to suck on ice chips during infusions to help reduce mouth sores.
- Call your care team right away if you have a new cough or shortness of breath while taking Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)]. Lung inflammation can happen, and early treatment helps protect your lungs.
- Keep track of symptoms and labs while receiving Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan). This medication can change blood counts and liver tests. Call your team if you have fever, unusual tiredness, easy bruising, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
- Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) might affect fertility. Talk with your oncology team before starting treatment if you plan to become pregnant or father a child.
- Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) isn't safe in pregnancy and can harm unborn babies. Use birth control during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose if you can become pregnant, or for 4 months after the last dose if you’re a man with a partner who can become pregnant.
- Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) since it isn’t known if the medication can affect your baby.
Risks and warnings for Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Lung problems
Rarely, Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) can cause serious lung problems, such as lung inflammation or interstitial lung disease. Tell your care team right away if you have a new or worsening cough, fever, chest tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing. These problems have been seen in the first few months of starting treatment. Your oncologist might pause the medication to check your symptoms, and if you do have lung problems, you'll likely stop Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) and start steroid treatment.
Eye problems
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) can cause eye problems, such as dry eyes, eye irritation or pain, eyelid problems, watery eyes, pink eye, or blurry vision. Most eye problems are mild, but in some cases they can be serious and may lead to treatment delays, dose changes, or stopping the medication. These problems often start a few months after treatment begins, but they can happen at any time.
To help prevent problems, use preservative-free artificial tears several times a day and avoid contact lenses unless an eye specialist says they’re safe. You’ll need eye exams before starting Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan), during treatment, at the end of treatment, and anytime you have eye symptoms. Tell your care team right away if you notice new or worsening eye issues, such as pain, redness, or blurry vision. Your oncologist might pause treatment, lower your dose, or stop the medication depending on how serious the problem is.
Mouth sores
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) commonly causes mouth sores, also called stomatitis. In studies, this side effect was common and often started early, sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment.
To help prevent and treat mouth sores, your oncologist might prescribe a steroid mouthwash, like dexamethasone, for regular use. You might also be asked to suck on ice chips or hold ice water in your mouth during each infusion. Tell your care team right away if you have mouth pain, sores, redness, or trouble eating or drinking. Depending on how severe the sores are, your oncologist might add treatments, pause therapy, lower your dose, or stop Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan).
Harm to unborn baby
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) can harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after your last dose. If you're a man with your partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for 4 months after your last dose. Tell your care team right away if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) dosage
Typical dosage for Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan)
The dose of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) is based on your weight.
The typical dose is 6 mg/kg as an infusion through the vein once every 3 weeks. The maximum dose is 540 mg regardless of your weight.
Your dose might differ if you have certain side effects to the medication.