sacituzumab govitecan at a glance
Medicine class
Antibody–drug conjugate targeting Trop-2
Main UK uses
Previously treated advanced triple-negative or HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Administration
Given by intravenous infusion in a specialist cancer-treatment setting
Important monitoring
Blood counts, diarrhoea, infection and infusion reactions require close monitoring
What is sacituzumab govitecan used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults are:
Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer after two or more previous systemic treatment lines, including at least one for locally advanced or metastatic disease.
Unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer after endocrine-based treatment and at least two additional systemic treatments in the advanced setting. Sacituzumab govitecan is used alone for this indication.
How does sacituzumab govitecan work?
The antibody component recognises Trop-2 on cancer cells and carries SN-38 into them. SN-38 blocks topoisomerase I, preventing repair of DNA breaks and causing susceptible cancer cells to die.
sacituzumab govitecan preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 180 mg
How to take sacituzumab govitecan
Sacituzumab govitecan is prepared and given into a vein by cancer-care professionals; it is not taken by mouth. Medicines are usually given beforehand to reduce nausea, vomiting and infusion reactions. Patients are observed during and after the infusion, and blood tests are checked as part of treatment safety monitoring.
Tell the team promptly about diarrhoea, fever, infection symptoms or any previous infusion reaction.
Use take-home anti-sickness or antidiarrhoeal medicines only as directed by the cancer team.
Food does not affect administration because this medicine is given intravenously.
sacituzumab govitecan side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low neutrophil or other white-cell counts
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Tiredness and anaemia
- Hair loss
- Reduced appetite and abdominal pain
- Rash or itching
- Headache or dizziness
- Low potassium or magnesium levels
- Cough or shortness of breath
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever or infection associated with a low neutrophil count
- Severe diarrhoea causing dehydration or acute kidney injury
- Anaphylaxis or another severe infusion-related reaction
- Pneumonia or sepsis
- Severe or uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
- Neutropenic colitis
sacituzumab govitecan in pregnancy
Sacituzumab govitecan is not recommended during pregnancy because SN-38 can damage rapidly dividing cells and may harm the pregnancy. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment when relevant. Effective contraception is required during treatment and afterwards: for 6 months for women who could become pregnant, and for 3 months for men with partners who could become pregnant. Contact the specialist team immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.
sacituzumab govitecan while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should stop during treatment and for 1 month afterwards. It is unknown whether sacituzumab govitecan or its metabolites enter human milk, so discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
sacituzumab govitecan interactions
Tell the cancer team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Formal interaction studies are limited, but medicines affecting UGT1A1 may change exposure to SN-38.
UGT1A1 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, propofol and some EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitors
May increase SN-38 exposure and adverse effects, so caution and closer monitoring are required.
UGT1A1 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin and protease inhibitors
May reduce SN-38 exposure, so caution and close monitoring are required.
Common questions about sacituzumab govitecan
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of treatment is sacituzumab govitecan?
It is an antibody–drug conjugate: a targeted antibody carries the chemotherapy component SN-38 to Trop-2-expressing cancer cells.
How is sacituzumab govitecan given?
A cancer-care professional gives it as an intravenous infusion in a setting equipped to manage serious reactions.
Why are blood tests needed?
The medicine commonly lowers blood-cell counts, particularly neutrophils. Tests help identify when infection risk or other blood-related toxicity is too high.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.