From the Guidelines
Kadcyla is typically administered every 3 weeks, with a standard dosing regimen of 3.6 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion once every 21 days. This medication is an antibody-drug conjugate used primarily for treating HER2-positive breast cancer. Although the provided evidence does not directly mention Kadcyla, it does discuss the administration of Trastuzumab, a related medication, which is given every 3 weeks 1. The three-week interval allows the body sufficient time to process the medication while maintaining therapeutic levels in the system. Patients should be aware that each infusion session typically takes about 30-90 minutes for the first dose and may be shorter for subsequent treatments if well tolerated. Regular monitoring through blood tests will be conducted throughout treatment to check liver function, platelet counts, and heart function, as Kadcyla can affect these systems. Key points to consider include:
- Standard dosing regimen: 3.6 mg/kg every 21 days
- Administration method: intravenous infusion
- Monitoring requirements: regular blood tests to check liver function, platelet counts, and heart function
- Potential side effects: unusual bleeding, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, which should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The dosing schedule for Trastuzumab, as mentioned in the study by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology 1, supports the every 3-week administration interval for similar medications.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dose of KADCYLA is 3.6 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (21-day cycle). Do not administer KADCYLA at doses greater than 3.6 mg/kg.
Kadcyla Administration: Kadcyla is given every 3 weeks.
- The dose is 3.6 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion.
- The treatment schedule is a 21-day cycle 2.
- This dosing schedule applies to both metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and early breast cancer (EBC) patients 2, 2.
From the Research
Administration of Kadcyla
- Kadcyla, also known as ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), is administered intravenously every 3 weeks 3, 4, 5.
- The standard dosing schedule for Kadcyla is 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks 3, 4.
- This dosing schedule is based on clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Kadcyla in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer 3, 4.
Clinical Trials and Efficacy
- Clinical trials have shown that Kadcyla significantly improves progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer compared to other treatments 3, 4.
- Kadcyla has been approved for use in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously been treated with trastuzumab and a taxane 5.
- The efficacy and safety of Kadcyla have been evaluated in several clinical trials, including the EMILIA and KATHERINE trials 3, 4.
Safety and Tolerability
- Kadcyla has a favorable safety profile compared to other treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer 3, 4.
- Common adverse events associated with Kadcyla include thrombocytopenia, increased serum aminotransferase levels, and fatigue 3, 4.
- The safety and tolerability of Kadcyla have been evaluated in several clinical trials, and the results have been consistent with the known safety profile of the drug 3, 4, 5.