Ado-trastuzumab emtansine
Written By Dr. Anuj Saini
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine Uses
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is used in the treatment of breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. It is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER-2) which have spread to other organs and have not responded to other cancer medicines.
How Ado-trastuzumab emtansine works
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is an anti-cancer medicine. It binds to HER2 receptors on breast cancer cells and flags the cancer cells for destruction by the body's immune system. It also goes into the cancer cells to release a chemotherapy medicine (emtansine) and stop them from growing and dividing.
Common side effects of Ado-trastuzumab emtansine
Tiredness, Nausea, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Bleeding, Low blood platelets, Headache, Liver disorder, Constipation, Nosebleeds
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Expert advice for Ado-trastuzumab emtansine
- Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is given via a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) under the supervision of a doctor.
- Do not skip any dose and complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
- Women who could get pregnant should use a reliable method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of heart function (tests like echocardiogram) and blood tests to monitor the level of blood cells may be advised before starting treatment and regularly during treatment with Ado-trastuzumab emtansine.
Frequently asked questions for Ado-trastuzumab emtansine
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) after prior treatment with trastuzumab and a taxane.
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is a conjugate of the HER2 directed trastuzumab and a highly toxic microtubule-targeted drug (emtansine). Thus it is made up of 2 cancer-fighting agents in 1 medicine- The monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and a chemotherapy emtansine. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine brings chemotherapy medicine (emtansine) into HER2-positive cells and kills them. It is designed to cause less harm to normal cells.