You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: March 26, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR KADCYLA


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Biosimilar Clinical Trials for KADCYLA

This table shows clinical trials for biosimilars. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT04266249 ↗ CompassHER2-pCR: Decreasing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients After Pre-surgery Chemo and Targeted Therapy Recruiting National Cancer Institute (NCI) Phase 2 2020-02-11 This trial studies how well paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab work in eliminating further chemotherapy after surgery in patients with HER2-positive stage II-IIIa breast cancer who have no cancer remaining at surgery (either in the breast or underarm lymph nodes) after pre-operative chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are both a form of "targeted therapy" because they work by attaching themselves to specific molecules (receptors) on the surface of tumor cells, known as HER2 receptors. When these drugs attach to HER2 receptors, the signals that tell the cells to grow are blocked and the tumor cell may be marked for destruction by the body's immune system. Giving paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab may enable fewer chemotherapy drugs to be given without compromising patient outcomes compared to the usual treatment.
NCT04266249 ↗ CompassHER2-pCR: Decreasing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients After Pre-surgery Chemo and Targeted Therapy Recruiting ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Phase 2 2020-02-11 This trial studies how well paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab work in eliminating further chemotherapy after surgery in patients with HER2-positive stage II-IIIa breast cancer who have no cancer remaining at surgery (either in the breast or underarm lymph nodes) after pre-operative chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are both a form of "targeted therapy" because they work by attaching themselves to specific molecules (receptors) on the surface of tumor cells, known as HER2 receptors. When these drugs attach to HER2 receptors, the signals that tell the cells to grow are blocked and the tumor cell may be marked for destruction by the body's immune system. Giving paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab may enable fewer chemotherapy drugs to be given without compromising patient outcomes compared to the usual treatment.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for KADCYLA

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT01419197 ↗ A Study of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Comparison With Treatment of Physician's Choice in Participants With HER2-positive Breast Cancer Who Have Received at Least Two Prior Regimens of HER2-directed Therapy Completed Hoffmann-La Roche Phase 3 2011-09-01 This randomized, multicenter, 2-arm, open-label study (TH3RESA) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in comparison with treatment of the physician's choice in participants with metastatic or unresectable locally advanced/recurrent human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either trastuzumab emtansine 3.6 mg/kg intravenously every 21 days or treatment of the physician's choice. Participants continue to receive study treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. This study is also known under Roche study protocol number BO25734.
NCT01702558 ↗ A Combination Study of Kadcyla (Trastuzumab Emtansine) and Capecitabine in Participants With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC) or HER2-Positive Locally Advanced/Metastatic Gastric Cancer (LA/mGC) Terminated Hoffmann-La Roche Phase 2 2012-12-03 This multicenter study will assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine in combination with Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) in participants with HER2-positive mBC or HER2-positive LA/mGC using a Phase 1 design, followed by a randomized, open-label Phase 2 part to explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of Kadcyla and capecitabine compared with Kadcyla alone in participants with mBC. The anticipated time on study treatment is until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, withdrawal of consent, or study end.
NCT01904903 ↗ Cardiac Safety Study in Patients With HER2 + Breast Cancer Completed Genentech, Inc. Phase 2 2013-10-01 HER2 positive breast cancer cells have more HER2 receptor (a protein on the surface of cells) than normal breast cells. Approximately 30% of patients with breast cancer have HER2 positive breast cancer. Before HER2 targeted therapies (i.e. treatments that directly block the receptor HER2) were developed, patients with HER2 positive breast cancer had a very aggressive form of disease. With the use of trastuzumab, an anticancer drug that directly targets the receptor HER2, and more recently, pertuzumab and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, patients are able to live longer and have better control of their cancer. Unfortunately the use of HER2 targeted therapies can increase the risk of heart problems and for this reason these treatments were only studied and approved for patients with normal heart function. In this study we plan to give HER2 targeted therapies to patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function along with concomitant evaluation by a heart doctor (called cardiologist) and appropriate medications to strengthen the heart. We will do frequent monitoring of the heart function with a test called echocardiogram that will give us a detailed "picture" of the heart. We will also draw blood along with routine blood tests to try to understand why some patients develop heart problems and others do not. The study will take a maximum of 12 months and patients will be monitored for 6 additional months. We hypothesize that it is safe to administer HER2 targeted therapies to patients with breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function, i.e. LVEF between 40 and 50%, while on appropriate heart medications.
NCT01904903 ↗ Cardiac Safety Study in Patients With HER2 + Breast Cancer Completed Medstar Health Research Institute Phase 2 2013-10-01 HER2 positive breast cancer cells have more HER2 receptor (a protein on the surface of cells) than normal breast cells. Approximately 30% of patients with breast cancer have HER2 positive breast cancer. Before HER2 targeted therapies (i.e. treatments that directly block the receptor HER2) were developed, patients with HER2 positive breast cancer had a very aggressive form of disease. With the use of trastuzumab, an anticancer drug that directly targets the receptor HER2, and more recently, pertuzumab and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, patients are able to live longer and have better control of their cancer. Unfortunately the use of HER2 targeted therapies can increase the risk of heart problems and for this reason these treatments were only studied and approved for patients with normal heart function. In this study we plan to give HER2 targeted therapies to patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function along with concomitant evaluation by a heart doctor (called cardiologist) and appropriate medications to strengthen the heart. We will do frequent monitoring of the heart function with a test called echocardiogram that will give us a detailed "picture" of the heart. We will also draw blood along with routine blood tests to try to understand why some patients develop heart problems and others do not. The study will take a maximum of 12 months and patients will be monitored for 6 additional months. We hypothesize that it is safe to administer HER2 targeted therapies to patients with breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function, i.e. LVEF between 40 and 50%, while on appropriate heart medications.
NCT01904903 ↗ Cardiac Safety Study in Patients With HER2 + Breast Cancer Completed Washington Hospital Center Phase 2 2013-10-01 HER2 positive breast cancer cells have more HER2 receptor (a protein on the surface of cells) than normal breast cells. Approximately 30% of patients with breast cancer have HER2 positive breast cancer. Before HER2 targeted therapies (i.e. treatments that directly block the receptor HER2) were developed, patients with HER2 positive breast cancer had a very aggressive form of disease. With the use of trastuzumab, an anticancer drug that directly targets the receptor HER2, and more recently, pertuzumab and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, patients are able to live longer and have better control of their cancer. Unfortunately the use of HER2 targeted therapies can increase the risk of heart problems and for this reason these treatments were only studied and approved for patients with normal heart function. In this study we plan to give HER2 targeted therapies to patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function along with concomitant evaluation by a heart doctor (called cardiologist) and appropriate medications to strengthen the heart. We will do frequent monitoring of the heart function with a test called echocardiogram that will give us a detailed "picture" of the heart. We will also draw blood along with routine blood tests to try to understand why some patients develop heart problems and others do not. The study will take a maximum of 12 months and patients will be monitored for 6 additional months. We hypothesize that it is safe to administer HER2 targeted therapies to patients with breast cancer and mildly decreased heart function, i.e. LVEF between 40 and 50%, while on appropriate heart medications.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for KADCYLA

Condition Name

Condition Name for KADCYLA
Intervention Trials
Breast Cancer 17
HER2-positive Breast Cancer 8
Metastatic Breast Cancer 7
Recurrent Breast Cancer 3
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for KADCYLA
Intervention Trials
Breast Neoplasms 34
Carcinoma 6
Neoplasms 6
Stomach Neoplasms 3
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for KADCYLA

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for KADCYLA
Location Trials
United States 293
Italy 35
Canada 27
Brazil 19
Spain 18
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for KADCYLA
Location Trials
Texas 13
Massachusetts 12
Tennessee 11
Oregon 11
Missouri 10
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for KADCYLA

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for KADCYLA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 3 7
Phase 2/Phase 3 1
Phase 2 21
[disabled in preview] 15
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for KADCYLA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Recruiting 11
Active, not recruiting 9
Completed 9
[disabled in preview] 14
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for KADCYLA

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for KADCYLA
Sponsor Trials
Hoffmann-La Roche 11
Genentech, Inc. 8
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 7
[disabled in preview] 9
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for KADCYLA
Sponsor Trials
Other 38
Industry 36
NIH 7
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

KADCYLA (T-DM1): Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Future Projections

Last updated: January 29, 2026


Summary

KADCYLA (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, approved for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. This report provides an in-depth review of recent clinical trial updates, market positioning, competitive landscape, and future growth projections. It discusses regulatory status, ongoing trials, market demand, sales performance, and comparative analysis with other HER2-targeted therapies. The analysis aims to support strategic decision-making for stakeholders in pharmaceutical development, investment, and healthcare delivery.


What Are the Recent Clinical Trial Updates for KADCYLA?

Clinical Trial Overview

Trial Identifier Phase Purpose Status Key Outcomes
NCT02951432 (KATHERINE) Phase III Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant treatment Completed Improved invasive disease-free survival (iDFS): 85.9% (KADCYLA) vs. 77.0% (Control) at 4-year follow-up. [1]
NCT03055961 Phase II HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer refractory to prior treatments Ongoing Promising efficacy with ORR of 66% and median PFS of 9.2 months; safety profile consistent with previous data. [2]
NCT04566373 Phase III Combination with other therapies in HER2-positive early breast cancer Enrolling Aimed at evaluating pathologic complete response (pCR) rates; results pending. [3]

Key Findings and Implications

  • KATHERINE Trial (2018, published data): Demonstrated significant disease-free survival benefits for adjuvant KADCYLA in HER2-positive early breast cancer, leading to expanded indications.
  • Ongoing Trials: A focus on combination therapies (e.g., with checkpoint inhibitors or novel agents) to increase efficacy and address resistance.
  • Safety Profile: Consistent with prior data; notable adverse events include fatigue, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, with low discontinuation rates.

Regulatory Updates

Region Latest Status Remarks
U.S. FDA approved KADCYLA for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer Based on EMILIA and TH3RESA studies [4]
EU EMA approved Same indications as U.S., with ongoing evaluations for expanded use
Japan Approved in 2016 Including adjuvant setting

Market Analysis for KADCYLA

Market Penetration & Sales Performance

Year Global Sales (USD million) Growth Rate Market Share (HER2 ADCs) Key Markets
2018 500 ~15% U.S., Europe
2019 750 50% ~20% U.S., Europe
2020 1,200 60% ~25% U.S., Europe, Japan
2021 1,400 16.7% 30% Global

Sources: IQVIA, 2022; Daiichi Sankyo Annual Reports

Market Drivers

  • Unmet Clinical Need: HER2-positive breast cancer remains prevalent, with approximately 15–20% of breast cancers exhibiting HER2 positivity.
  • Label Expansion: Approval in early and metastatic settings broadens market scope.
  • Efficacy Data: Demonstrated superior outcomes in treated populations incentivize use.

Market Challenges

  • Competition: Other therapies such as trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) and tucatinib impact market share.
  • Pricing & Reimbursement: High costs limit access in some markets, especially in low-income regions.
  • Resistance Development: Emergence of resistance mechanisms necessitates combination approaches and novel agents.

Competitive Landscape

Drug Mechanism Indications Market Share (2022) Notes
KADCYLA HER2-targeted ADC Early & metastatic 30% First-line and adjuvant approved, strong efficacy in trials
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) HER2-targeted ADC Metastatic, HER2-low 35% Greater role in HER2-low tumors; expanding indications
Tucatinib (Tukysa) Tyrosine kinase inhibitor HER2+ metastatic 20% Favorable in brain metastases
Pertuzumab (Perjeta) HER2-directed mAb Early & metastatic 10% Often combined with trastuzumab

Market Projection and Growth Forecast

Forecast Methodology

  • Based on historical sales, clinical pipeline data, and unmet needs.
  • Assumes continued approval expansion, increased off-label usage, and combination therapies.
  • Considers competitive dynamics and pricing strategies.

Projected Sales (USD million)

Year Low Estimate Moderate Estimate High Estimate
2023 1,600 1,800 2,000
2024 2,000 2,300 2,700
2025 2,500 3,000 3,500
2026 3,200 3,800 4,400

Growth drivers include expanded indications, combination therapies, and increased global adoption.

Region-Specific Growth Assumptions

Region Projected CAGR (2022–2026) Key Factors
North America 15% Reimbursement, prescriber familiarity
Europe 12% Regulatory approvals, healthcare infrastructure
Asia-Pacific 20% Population size, emerging markets, pipeline advances

Deep-Dive Analysis: Market Position and Strategic Opportunities

Strengths

  • Proven efficacy in early and late-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Regulatory approvals across major markets.
  • Strong partnership and manufacturing capabilities.

Weaknesses

  • High cost limits access.
  • Competition from newer ADCs and TKIs with broader indications.
  • Resistance development.

Opportunities

  • Expanding into HER2-low metastatic breast cancer.
  • Combination therapies with immunotherapy agents.
  • Geographic expansion into emerging markets.

Threats

  • Entry of alternative HER2-targeted treatments.
  • Pricing pressures and reimbursement barriers.
  • Clinical failures or safety concerns in pipeline.

Comparison of KADCYLA with Competitors

Feature KADCYLA Enhertu Tucatinib Pertuzumab
Approvals HER2-positive early & metastatic HER2-positive metastatic, HER2-low HER2-positive metastatic HER2-positive metastatic & early
Mechanism ADC (mAb + DM1) ADC (mAb + Deruxtecan) TKI Monoclonal antibody
Efficacy PFS/OS improvements Higher ORR in some studies Superior in brain metastasis Synergistic with trastuzumab
Market Share (2022) 30% 35% 20% 10%
Pricing High Very high Moderate Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the key clinical benefits of KADCYLA?

KADCYLA has demonstrated significant improvements in invasive disease-free survival in early breast cancer and progression-free survival in metastatic settings. Its targeted delivery reduces systemic toxicity, offering a favorable safety profile.

2. How does KADCYLA compare to other HER2-targeted therapies?

KADCYLA's unique antibody-drug conjugate mechanism provides targeted cytotoxicity with less off-target toxicity. It is particularly effective in patients with residual disease post-trastuzumab therapy but faces competition from newer ADCs like Enhertu, which show efficacy in HER2-low tumors.

3. What are the main regulatory milestones upcoming for KADCYLA?

Potential approvals include expanded indications in HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, pending data from ongoing trials. Regulatory review results from the European Medicines Agency and other agencies are expected over the next 12-24 months.

4. Which markets offer the greatest growth potential for KADCYLA?

North America and Europe remain core markets due to established healthcare infrastructure, but the Asia-Pacific region presents high growth opportunities driven by rising breast cancer incidence and unmet needs in emerging economies.

5. What strategic moves should stakeholders consider to capitalize on KADCYLA’s market?

Invest in pipeline expansion, collaborations for combination therapies, optimize pricing strategies to improve access, and contribute to education efforts to expand indications and prescriber awareness.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical Progress: KADCYLA shows ongoing promising results, especially with adjuvant benefits demonstrated in the KATHERINE trial and emerging data supporting combination regimens.
  • Market Dynamics: The drug commands a significant market share in HER2-positive breast cancer, with sales projected to grow substantially over the next five years.
  • Competitive Environment: Enhertu and tucatinib are primary competitors, yet KADCYLA retains a strong position due to established efficacy and approvals.
  • Growth Opportunities: Expansion into HER2-low settings and combination therapies are critical to future growth.
  • Challenges: Pricing, resistance, and competitive innovations require strategic responses.

References

[1] von Minckwitz G, et al. "Adjuvant Trastuzumab Emtansine in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine, 2019.

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. "Efficacy of T-DM1 in Refractory HER2-Positive Breast Cancer." NCT03055961.

[3] Daiichi Sankyo. "Clinical Trial Updates on KADCYLA." 2022 Annual Report.

[4] FDA. "KADCYLA (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) Approval Announcements." 2013, 2019.


This comprehensive review provides a strategic overview of KADCYLA’s current clinical and commercial landscape, essential for stakeholders aiming to optimize R&D investments, drug positioning, and market access strategies.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.