Ogivri

• Ogivri is a biosimilar to trastuzumab, indicated for HER2-positive breast cancer and metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
• It works by binding to the HER2 receptor, inhibiting cancer cell growth and marking them for destruction by the immune system.
• Common side effects include fever, chills, headache, and nausea, while serious reactions like cardiac dysfunction or infusion reactions can occur.
• Patients should receive comprehensive Ogivri medication information from their healthcare provider before and during treatment.

What Is Ogivri: Mechanism of Action and Indications

Ogivri is a biosimilar to trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells, and its overexpression can lead to aggressive tumor growth. By specifically targeting HER2, Ogivri helps to inhibit the proliferation of these cancer cells.

The mechanism of action of Ogivri involves several pathways. Primarily, it binds to the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor, which prevents the receptor from signaling for cell growth and division. This binding also triggers an immune response known as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), where immune cells are recruited to destroy the cancer cells marked by Ogivri. Additionally, it can inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in HER2-overexpressing cells.

Ogivri is used for the treatment of specific cancers that overexpress the HER2 protein. The primary indications include:

• Adjuvant treatment of HER2-overexpressing node-positive or node-negative (ER/PR negative or with one high-risk feature) breast cancer.
• Metastatic HER2-overexpressing breast cancer, either as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
• Metastatic HER2-overexpressing gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, in combination with chemotherapy.

Before initiating treatment, patients undergo testing to confirm HER2 overexpression, ensuring that Ogivri is an appropriate and effective therapy for their specific condition. This targeted approach helps to maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing exposure to unnecessary treatments.

Ogivri Side Effects and Important Safety Information

Like all medications, Ogivri can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Patients receiving Ogivri medication information should be aware of these potential reactions. Common side effects associated with Ogivri include fever, chills, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and asthenia (weakness). Infusion-related reactions are also common, typically occurring during or shortly after the first infusion, and may include symptoms such as fever, chills, dyspnea, hypotension, and rash.

More serious side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. These include cardiac dysfunction, particularly a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction, which can lead to congestive heart failure. Patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy are at higher risk. Pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, has also been reported. Additionally, severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis are possible, necessitating careful monitoring during infusions and availability of resuscitation equipment.

It is crucial for patients to discuss their full medical history with their healthcare provider, especially any history of heart disease, lung conditions, or allergies, before starting Ogivri treatment. Regular monitoring of cardiac function, such as echocardiograms, is typically performed before and during therapy to detect and manage potential cardiotoxicity. Patients should promptly report any new or worsening symptoms to their doctor to ensure timely intervention and management of any adverse effects.