Table of Contents
- What is ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN?
- What conditions does it treat?
- How does it work?
- Clinical Trial Information
- Administration and Dosage
- Eligibility for Treatment
- Potential Side Effects and Precautions
What is ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN?
ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN is an innovative medical product being studied for the treatment of advanced lung cancer. It is a radiolabeled version of a drug called patritumab deruxtecan. The radiolabeling with zirconium-89 (89Zr) allows doctors to track the drug’s movement in the body using a special imaging technique called PET/CT[1].
This medication is also known by its sponsor product code, 89Zr-U3-1402. It’s important to note that this is an investigational drug, which means it’s still being studied and is not yet approved for widespread use[1].
What conditions does it treat?
ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN is being studied for the treatment of advanced EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is a specific type of lung cancer that has mutations in a gene called EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and has reached an advanced stage[1].
Specifically, this treatment is being investigated for patients who have:
- Advanced stage NSCLC that is not suitable for curative treatment
- Received at least one line of EGFR TKI (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor) treatment
- If their tumor is positive for a specific mutation called T790M, they must have had prior treatment with a third-generation EGFR TKI[1]
How does it work?
ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN is a type of drug called an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It combines three key components:
- Patritumab: An antibody that targets a protein called HER3 on cancer cells
- Deruxtecan: A potent anti-cancer drug
- Zirconium-89: A radioactive isotope that allows the drug to be tracked in the body
The antibody part of the drug (patritumab) seeks out and attaches to HER3 proteins on cancer cells. This allows the anti-cancer drug (deruxtecan) to be delivered directly to the tumor. The addition of zirconium-89 enables doctors to use PET/CT scans to see where the drug goes in the body and how much accumulates in tumor tissues[1].
Clinical Trial Information
A clinical trial is currently underway to study ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN. The main goals of this trial are:
- To find the best dose of non-radiolabeled patritumab deruxtecan to use with the radiolabeled version for optimal imaging
- To measure how much of the drug accumulates in tumor tissues
- To see how the drug’s uptake in tumors relates to treatment outcomes
- To assess how the drug is distributed in different organs of the body[1]
Administration and Dosage
ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN is given as an intravenous bolus injection or IV infusion. This means it’s administered directly into a vein. The maximum dose being studied is 37 MBq (megabecquerels, a unit of radioactivity). The treatment period in the current study is up to 3 days[1].
Eligibility for Treatment
To be eligible for treatment with ZIRCONIUM (89ZR) PATRITUMAB DERUXTECAN in the current study, patients must meet several criteria, including:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have confirmed advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC
- Have received at least one line of EGFR TKI treatment
- Have measurable disease according to specific criteria
- Have adequate organ function
There are also several conditions that would exclude a patient from the study, such as a history of interstitial lung disease, certain heart conditions, or active hepatitis B or C infection[1].
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
As this is an investigational drug, all potential side effects are not yet known. However, based on the information provided and the nature of the treatment, some precautions and potential side effects to be aware of include:
- Patients with a history of lung diseases or conditions may be at higher risk of complications
- The drug may affect heart function, so patients with certain heart conditions are excluded from the study
- Liver function will be monitored, as the drug may affect liver enzymes
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not receive this treatment
- Patients and their partners should use effective birth control during treatment and for several months after[1]
It’s important to note that as this is a radiolabeled drug, there may be additional precautions related to radiation exposure. Always discuss potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider.



