Sacituzumab govitecan
Say it: sak-ih-TOO-zoo-mab goh-vih-TEE-kan · Brand names: Trodelvy
Sacituzumab govitecan 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
- triple negative breast cancer that has spread or cannot be removed
- hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer that has spread
How you get it
You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 3 hours, and later ones take 1 to 2 hours. Most people get it on day 1 and day 8 of a 21 day cycle. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and keep the anti-diarrhea medicine your team gives you at home.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Feeling tired. Rest and gentle activity can help.
- Hair loss. This usually grows back after treatment ends.
- Low white blood cells, which raises the risk of infection. Wash your hands often and avoid sick people.
- Constipation. Drink fluids and ask your team what to use.
- Lower appetite. Small meals more often may be easier.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Diarrhea that does not get better within 24 hours with your anti-diarrhea medicine
- Black or bloody stools, or bad belly cramps
- Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, or a rash during or after the infusion
- Vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have been told you have a gene change called UGT1A1*28, which can raise the risk of side effects
- If you have liver problems
- 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 very low white blood cells. You will have blood tests before each dose.
- This medicine can cause severe diarrhea. Your team will tell you exactly when to start your anti-diarrhea medicine and when to call.
- You will get medicines before each infusion to help prevent nausea and allergic reactions.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after it ends.
Questions to ask
- When should I start my anti-diarrhea medicine, and when should I call you?
- What should I do if I get a fever?
- Will I get shots to help my white blood cells?
- How often will I come in for treatment?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Sacituzumab govitecan?
- Sacituzumab govitecan is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called Trop-2. Brand names: Trodelvy.
- What is Sacituzumab govitecan used for?
- triple negative breast cancer that has spread or cannot be removed; hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer that has spread.
- How is Sacituzumab govitecan given?
- You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 3 hours, and later ones take 1 to 2 hours. Most people get it on day 1 and day 8 of a 21 day cycle. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Sacituzumab govitecan?
- Diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting. Feeling tired. Hair loss. Low white blood cells, which raises the risk of infection. Constipation. Lower appetite.
- When should I call my care team while taking Sacituzumab govitecan?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Diarrhea that does not get better within 24 hours with your anti-diarrhea medicine; Black or bloody stools, or bad belly cramps; Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine; Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, or a rash during or after the infusion; Vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids.
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.