Datopotamab deruxtecan
Say it: dah-toh-POT-ah-mab deh-RUX-teh-kan · Brand names: Datroway
Datopotamab deruxtecan is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called Trop-2.
What it is
It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called Trop-2 on cancer cells, and a strong cancer medicine. The antibody carries the medicine straight to the cancer cell, so more of it reaches the cancer and less reaches healthy cells. Once inside, the medicine damages the cancer cell's DNA so it cannot grow.
Often used for
- hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer that has spread
- lung cancer with a change in the EGFR gene, after other treatments
How you get it
You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes, and later ones take about 30 minutes if you do well. Most people get it once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Mouth sores. Use the mouth rinse your team gives you and a soft toothbrush.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Dry, irritated, or watery eyes. Use the eye drops your team recommends.
- Constipation. Drink fluids and ask your team about a stool softener.
- Lower appetite. Small meals and snacks may be easier.
Call your care team right away if you have
- New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Eye pain, redness, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light
- Mouth sores that make it hard to eat or drink
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids
- Trouble breathing, chills, flushing, or rash during or after the infusion
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have ever had lung problems
- If you have eye problems or wear contact lenses
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can cause a serious lung problem called pneumonitis (swelling in the lungs). Tell your team right away about new breathing problems.
- This medicine can cause eye problems. Your team may ask you to use eye drops, avoid contact lenses, and have eye exams.
- Your team may ask you to use a steroid mouth rinse to help prevent mouth sores.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.
At home
- Use the mouth rinse and eye drops exactly as your team tells you.
- Ask your team before wearing contact lenses during treatment.
Questions to ask
- How should I use the mouth rinse and eye drops?
- Do I need to see an eye doctor during treatment?
- What should I do if I start to cough or feel short of breath?
- How long will I be on this medicine?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Datopotamab deruxtecan?
- Datopotamab deruxtecan is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called Trop-2. Brand names: Datroway.
- What is Datopotamab deruxtecan used for?
- hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer that has spread; lung cancer with a change in the EGFR gene, after other treatments.
- How is Datopotamab deruxtecan given?
- You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes, and later ones take about 30 minutes if you do well. Most people get it once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Datopotamab deruxtecan?
- Mouth sores. Nausea and vomiting. Feeling tired. Hair loss. Dry, irritated, or watery eyes. Constipation. Lower appetite.
- When should I call my care team while taking Datopotamab deruxtecan?
- New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; Eye pain, redness, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light; Mouth sores that make it hard to eat or drink; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids; Trouble breathing, chills, flushing, or rash during or after the infusion.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.