Is trastuzumab a chemotherapy drug?

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a targeted therapy drug, not a chemotherapy drug in the traditional sense. It belongs to a class of drugs called antibody-drug complexes (ADCs). Deruxtecan combines an antibody (trastuzumab) that targets the HER2 receptor on the surface of cancer cells with a drug that binds to the cytotoxic agent (deruxtecan) through a specific linker. The function of this drug is to deliver cytotoxicity directly to cancer cells with high expression of HER2 receptors through antibody guidance to achieve the purpose of treating cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs usually kill cancer cells by affecting their division and growth, while targeted therapy drugs target specific targets on the surface of cancer cells. Trastuzumab is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that achieves specific killing of tumor cells by linking an antibody targeting specific antigens on the surface of tumor cells with a powerful chemotherapy drug.

Targeted therapy drugs are generally more specific and have fewer side effects than chemotherapy drugs. They can attack cancer cells more precisely while having relatively little impact on normal cells. Although trastuzumab has anti-cancer activity, its mechanism of action is different from traditional chemotherapy drugs, so it is classified as a targeted therapy drug when used clinically. It is mainly used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and gastric cancer, especially in patients whose disease has progressed despite other treatments.

The mechanism of action and characteristics of each drug are different, and the specific therapeutic effects and side effects will also vary depending on individual differences. Before using any drug, doctors will comprehensively evaluate and formulate the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation, including tumor type, stage, genetic mutation and other factors.