Daiichi Sankyo and MSD have announced positive results from a Phase III clinical trial evaluating their antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with previously treated HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer, according to Clinical Trials Arena. The findings mark a significant advancement in the treatment options for this aggressive cancer type, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and carries a poor prognosis.
The Phase III trial, named DESTINY-Esophageal04, met its primary endpoint by demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Patients receiving trastuzumab deruxtecan, also known as Enhertu, experienced longer survival times, along with higher response rates and improved disease control. The safety profile of the drug was consistent with previous studies, with manageable side effects and no new safety concerns identified.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan is an innovative antibody-drug conjugate that delivers targeted chemotherapy directly to HER2-expressing cancer cells, sparing more healthy tissue and potentially reducing side effects. The therapy has already been approved in several other cancers with HER2 overexpression, including breast and gastric cancers. Its success in esophageal cancer, as highlighted by the DESTINY-Esophageal04 trial, could lead to expanded indications and provide new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
The companies plan to share these results with regulatory authorities worldwide and seek approval for the drug’s use in this new setting. If approved, trastuzumab deruxtecan could become a new standard of care for patients with HER2-positive oesophageal cancer who have progressed after previous treatments.
Leaders from Daiichi Sankyo and MSD expressed optimism about the potential impact of the trial results on patient care. They emphasized the urgent need for more effective therapies in metastatic esophageal cancer and highlighted their commitment to advancing research in difficult-to-treat cancers.
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Last modified: May 29, 2025
