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Sacituzumab Govitecan: Advanced Cancer Treatment Explained
Summary of Key Points
Sacituzumab govitecan is a targeted cancer therapy used to treat certain advanced cancers, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. This medication works by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, helping to slow or stop their growth. Sacituzumab govitecan is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion and is typically prescribed when other treatments have not been effective. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your treatment plan.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Trodelvy
Generic Name: Sacituzumab govitecan
The generic name refers to the active ingredient in the medication. It is listed in parentheses next to the brand name.
Pharmacologic Category
Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)
Topoisomerase Inhibitor
Dosing Information for Sacituzumab Govitecan
Sacituzumab govitecan is prescribed for adults with various types of advanced cancers. The dosage and frequency may vary depending on the specific cancer being treated. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and consult them before making any changes to your treatment plan. If you need to speak with a healthcare provider, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our doctors today.
Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Pancreatic Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Colorectal Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Ovarian Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Gastric Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Head and Neck Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Esophageal Cancer
Dosage: 10 mg/kg administered by IV infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Frequency: Every 21 days.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Injection: 180 mg/9 mL (20 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial
Administration Instructions for Sacituzumab Govitecan
Sacituzumab govitecan is administered by a healthcare professional through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The infusion typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours. You will receive this medication in a clinic or hospital setting. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely and attend all scheduled appointments. If you experience any unusual symptoms during the infusion, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects of Sacituzumab Govitecan
Like all cancer treatments, sacituzumab govitecan can cause side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare but may be serious. Always inform your healthcare provider if you experience any new or worsening symptoms.
Common Side Effects
Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting is common. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms.
Diarrhea: Loose or frequent stools may occur. Staying hydrated is essential, and your doctor may recommend anti-diarrheal medications.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak is a frequent side effect. Rest and proper nutrition can help manage this.
Hair Loss (Alopecia): You may experience thinning or loss of hair during treatment.
Contraindications for Sacituzumab Govitecan
A contraindication is a specific condition or situation where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm. It’s important to know if you have any of these conditions before starting a new medication. Below are the contraindications for taking sacituzumab govitecan:
Severe hypersensitivity to Sacituzumab govitecan or its components: If you have had a serious allergic reaction to sacituzumab govitecan or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening and may include symptoms such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Neutropenia: Sacituzumab govitecan can cause a significant decrease in white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. If you already have low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), taking this medication could increase your risk of severe infections.
Severe liver impairment: The liver plays a key role in processing medications. If it is not functioning properly, sacituzumab govitecan may not be broken down correctly, leading to increased side effects. Patients with severe liver problems should avoid this medication.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Some medications can interact with Sacituzumab govitecan, potentially increasing side effects or reducing its effectiveness. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Below are some known drug interactions:
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clarithromycin (Biaxin) can raise Sacituzumab govitecan levels in your body, which may lead to more pronounced side effects.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Drugs like rifampin (Rifadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and carbamazepine (Tegretol) can reduce the effectiveness of Sacituzumab govitecan by accelerating its breakdown in the body.
P-glycoprotein inhibitors: Medications such as verapamil (Calan), quinidine (Quinidex), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune) may also increase Sacituzumab govitecan levels, potentially leading to higher toxicity.
Sacituzumab Govitecan in Pregnancy
Is it Safe to Take Sacituzumab Govitecan During Pregnancy?
Sacituzumab govitecan is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can harm an unborn baby, potentially causing fetal toxicity or birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. You should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least six months after your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Sacituzumab Govitecan While Breastfeeding
Is it Safe to Take Sacituzumab Govitecan While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is not considered safe while taking Sacituzumab govitecan. The medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. It is advised to avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least one month after your last dose. If you are currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, speak with your healthcare provider about alternative feeding options.
Estimated Cost of Sacituzumab Govitecan
The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Sacituzumab govitecan without insurance can vary. With a GoodRX coupon, the price typically ranges from $20,000 to $25,000. However, prices may differ depending on the pharmacy and location. It’s a good idea to check with your pharmacy for the most accurate pricing and to discuss financial assistance options with your healthcare provider if needed.
Possible Alternatives to Sacituzumab Govitecan
If Sacituzumab govitecan is not the right treatment for you, other options may be available depending on the type of cancer you are being treated for. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You may also consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore your options.
Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Alternative treatments may include chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel (Taxol) or capecitabine (Xeloda), or immunotherapy options like pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, may help improve overall well-being during treatment.
Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Other treatment options include immune checkpoint inhibitors like atezolizumab (Tecentriq) or nivolumab (Opdivo). Your healthcare provider may also recommend targeted therapies or radiation therapy, depending on your specific case.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy options such as etoposide and cisplatin are commonly used. Immunotherapy with drugs like durvalumab (Imfinzi) may also be considered as part of your treatment plan.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Targeted therapies like osimertinib (Tagrisso) or immunotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may be viable alternatives. Depending on your condition, your provider may also suggest radiation therapy or surgery.
Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment options may include chemotherapy with gemcitabine (Gemzar) or the FOLFIRINOX regimen. Surgery and radiation therapy are also potential alternatives, depending on the stage and specifics of your cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Targeted therapies such as bevacizumab (Avastin) or cetuximab (Erbitux) may be considered. Additionally, lifestyle changes, including a high-fiber diet and regular physical activity, may help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Ovarian Cancer
Other treatments may include chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, or targeted therapies like olaparib (Lynparza). Surgery is often a key component of the treatment plan as well.
Gastric Cancer
Chemotherapy options such as fluorouracil (5-FU) or targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) may be recommended. Nutritional support and dietary changes can also play a role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Head and Neck Cancer
Common alternatives include radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy with cisplatin. Immunotherapy with nivolumab (Opdivo) may also be an option, depending on your specific case.
Esophageal Cancer
Treatment options may include chemotherapy with fluorouracil and cisplatin, radiation therapy, or surgery. Your healthcare provider may also recommend targeted therapies based on the characteristics of your cancer.
Recent Updates on Sacituzumab Govitecan Research
Recent studies have shown encouraging results for Sacituzumab govitecan in treating various types of advanced cancers. Ongoing research is exploring its use in combination with other therapies, such as immunotherapy, to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, clinical trials are investigating its effectiveness in treating other cancers, including lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers. These studies aim to expand the potential uses of Sacituzumab govitecan and improve survival rates for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.
As research continues, staying informed about new developments is important. If you have questions about recent studies or how they might affect your treatment plan, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our healthcare providers to discuss the latest findings and how they may apply to your care.
