From Payload to Patient: Managing Toxicities of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Directed at HER2 and TROP2

Program Description

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a fast-growing class of cancer therapies, with approvals doubling in the past 4 years and expanding into new indications as well as frontline and combination treatment. However, the rapid introduction of novel ADCs has outpaced the development of standardized toxicity management protocols, leading to gaps in care due to variable toxicity profiles and inconsistent pre-treatment processes. While ADCs are engineered for targeted delivery to minimize toxicity, treatment-related adverse events can still occur and may vary significantly between patients due to factors like baseline organ function, comorbidities, pharmacogenomics, body composition, and prior therapies. Toxicities from ADCs directed at HER2 and TROP2 range from immediate to delayed-onset and can sometimes be life-threatening, requiring timely, proactive management strategies. Pharmacists play a key role in managing ADC-related toxicities, from ocular care and interstitial lung disease management to gastrointestinal and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and can have key roles in implementing recommended prophylactic protocols, overseeing appropriate monitoring, and providing effective counseling. This educational program aims to equip oncology pharmacists with practical approaches to manage the unique toxicities of HER2-directed and TROP2-directed ADCs. Faculty will engage in a patient case discussion designed to explore key factors in treatment selection and medication management. By learning prophylactic strategies, early identification, and comprehensive management of these toxicities, pharmacists can enhance patient safety, treatment tolerability, and long-term outcomes.

Target Audience: Oncology Pharmacist

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: December 5, 2025
Expiration date: December 5, 2026
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Examine the unique toxicity profiles of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) directed at HER2 and TROP2, considering factors such as tumor subtype, previous therapies, and patient-specific characteristics
2. Factor agent- and patient-specific monitoring parameters and prophylactic strategies into streamlined workflows to mitigate toxicities of HER2-directed and TROP2-directed ADCs and support health-related quality of life
3. Analyze how pharmacists can work within health care teams to use both medication-based and nonpharmacologic approaches to manage common and serious adverse effects of ADCs directed at HER2 and TROP2