Trastuzumab deruxtecan for HER2-positive breast cancer
Better results than earlier standard treatments in large trials.
What studies found
In May 2026 the FDA approved it before surgery for stage II or III HER2-positive cancer (DESTINY-Breast11, 927 adults) and after pre-surgery treatment when cancer remains (DESTINY-Breast05, 1,635 adults), where three-year invasive disease-free survival was 92.4% versus 83.7% with T-DM1. For advanced HER2-positive cancer, with pertuzumab as first treatment, median progression-free survival was 40.7 months versus 26.9 with standard therapy (DESTINY-Breast09, approved December 2025).
The catch
After surgery, the benefit was measured as cancer-free survival at three years.
What to do
If your cancer is HER2-positive, ask whether it fits your stage.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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