Sacituzumab govitecan is a so-called targeted cancer therapy.
It consists of an antibody that attaches to certain cancer cells, combined with a powerful active substance. Thanks to this combination, the medicine mainly reaches the places where it is needed. Inside the cancer cell, the active substance can disrupt cell growth and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Sacituzumab govitecan is used for certain types of cancer, such as metastatic breast cancer and bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma), when other treatments are no longer effective.
Sacituzumab govitecan and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which sacituzumab govitecan is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of sacituzumab govitecan can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Sacituzumab govitecan and the enzyme UGT1A1
Sacituzumab govitecan is processed to a large extent by the enzyme UGT1A1. The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of sacituzumab govitecan can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with sacituzumab govitecan.
Read more about UGT1A1 enzyme »
Also known as
Trodelvy