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What Is Kadcyla?

Kadcyla is a prescription HER2-targeted antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate containing ado-trastuzumab emtansine. It is used as a single agent for selected HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and as adjuvant treatment for selected HER2-positive early breast cancer with residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant taxane and trastuzumab treatment.

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What Is Kadcyla?

Kadcyla is a prescription HER2-targeted antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate containing ado-trastuzumab emtansine. It is used as a single agent for selected HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and as adjuvant treatment for selected HER2-positive early breast cancer with residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant taxane and trastuzumab treatment.

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How Does Kadcyla Target Cancer Cells?

Ado-trastuzumab emtansine combines the HER2-directed antibody trastuzumab with the microtubule inhibitor DM1. The antibody binds HER2 on tumor cells and the conjugate is internalized. Release of DM1 inside the cell disrupts microtubules and promotes cell death.

Who Is Treated With Kadcyla?

Kadcyla is used for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer after prior trastuzumab and a taxane under labeled criteria. It is also used after surgery for HER2-positive early breast cancer when residual invasive disease remains after neoadjuvant taxane and trastuzumab-based treatment. HER2 status is confirmed with an FDA-authorized test.

How Is Kadcyla Dosed?

The recommended dose is 3.6 mg per kg by intravenous infusion every three weeks. Metastatic breast cancer treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Early breast cancer treatment continues for 14 cycles unless disease recurs or toxicity requires earlier discontinuation.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Kadcyla?

Kadcyla carries boxed warnings for hepatotoxicity, cardiac toxicity, and embryo-fetal toxicity. Other serious concerns include interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, infusion reactions, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, and tissue injury after extravasation. Liver tests, platelet counts, and left ventricular function are monitored during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kadcyla

What cancers does Kadcyla treat?

Kadcyla treats selected HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and selected HER2-positive early breast cancer.

What is the standard Kadcyla dose?

The recommended dose is 3.6 mg per kg by intravenous infusion every three weeks.

How long is adjuvant Kadcyla used for early breast cancer?

The labeled course is 14 cycles unless disease recurs or toxicity requires earlier discontinuation.

Does Kadcyla have boxed warnings?

Yes. The boxed warnings concern hepatotoxicity, cardiac toxicity, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

References

Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613031.html. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Definition of Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/trastuzumab-emtansine. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

KADCYLA (Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine) Prescribing Information. https://www.gene.com/medical-professionals/medicines/kadcyla. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Survival With Trastuzumab Emtansine in Residual HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39813643/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Trastuzumab Emtansine Versus Capecitabine Plus Lapatinib in Patients With Previously Treated HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer (EMILIA): A Descriptive Analysis of Final Overall Survival Results From a Randomised, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28526536/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.