Choosing Between Anti-TROP2 ADCs in Advanced Breast Cancer Without Head-to-Head Evidence: A Practical Evidence-Informed Decision Framework Endorsed by the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology

Background/Objectives: Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), including sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), have expanded treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer. Although both agents target TROP2, they differ in molecular design, clinical evidence, toxicity profiles, and monitoring requirements. Without head-to-head trials, their relative clinical positioning remains uncertain. This review aimed to critically assess the available evidence and develop a practical framework to support individualized treatment selection between SG and Dato-DXd. Methods: This narrative critical review used a structured literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and targeted searches of major oncology guidelines, regulatory documents, pivotal-trial publications, conference reports when full publications were unavailable, and relevant retrospective or translational studies. The evidence cutoff was 29 September 2026. Direct randomized-trial evidence, indirect clinical inference, and expert/practical considerations were explicitly distinguished. Results: SG and Dato-DXd have both demonstrated clinically meaningful activity in advanced breast cancer, but their evidence base, toxicity patterns, and practical requirements differ. Cross-trial differences in populations, treatment lines, comparator composition, follow-up, subsequent therapy, response assessment, and safety reporting preclude valid numerical comparisons of efficacy or toxicity between the two agents. SG is characterized predominantly by hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity, whereas Dato-DXd is associated with stomatitis, ocular toxicity, and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis. These distinctions, together with patient-specific comorbidities, prior toxicities, prior ADC exposure, logistical considerations, and local healthcare resources, may inform individualized treatment selection when both agents are clinically appropriate. Conclusions: In the absence of direct comparative trials, treatment selection between SG and Dato-DXd should not rely on cross-trial efficacy or safety comparisons. The proposed framework separates regulatory and guideline eligibility from drug-specific safety evidence, indirect clinical inference, patient preferences, and healthcare system considerations. It is intended as evidence-informed clinical guidance rather than a validated comparative treatment selection rule and requires prospective evaluation.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cancers
Published
2026-10-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193227
Primary Topic
Breast Cancer Treatment Studies
Type
article
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article

Choosing Between Anti-TROP2 ADCs in Advanced Breast Cancer Without Head-to-Head Evidence: A Practical Evidence-Informed Decision Framework Endorsed by the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology

Katarzyna Pogoda, B. Radecka, Maciej Jerzy Krzakowski, Piotr Jan Wysocki et al.
Cancers
Breast Cancer Treatment Studies
article

Choosing Between Anti-TROP2 ADCs in Advanced Breast Cancer Without Head-to-Head Evidence: A Practical Evidence-Informed Decision Framework Endorsed by the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology

Katarzyna Pogoda, B. Radecka, Maciej Jerzy Krzakowski, Piotr Jan Wysocki, Ewa Wysocka
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), including sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), have expanded treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer. Although both agents target TROP2, they differ in molecular design, clinical evidence, toxicity profiles, and monitoring requirements. Without head-to-head trials, their relative clinical positioning remains uncertain. This review aimed to critically assess the available evidence and develop a practical framework to support individualized treatment selection between SG and Dato-DXd. Methods: This narrative critical review used a structured literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and targeted searches of major oncology guidelines, regulatory documents, pivotal-trial publications, conference reports when full publications were unavailable, and relevant retrospective or translational studies. The evidence cutoff was 29 September 2026. Direct randomized-trial evidence, indirect clinical inference, and expert/practical considerations were explicitly distinguished. Results: SG and Dato-DXd have both demonstrated clinically meaningful activity in advanced breast cancer, but their evidence base, toxicity patterns, and practical requirements differ. Cross-trial differences in populations, treatment lines, comparator composition, follow-up, subsequent therapy, response assessment, and safety reporting preclude valid numerical comparisons of efficacy or toxicity between the two agents. SG is characterized predominantly by hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity, whereas Dato-DXd is associated with stomatitis, ocular toxicity, and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis. These distinctions, together with patient-specific comorbidities, prior toxicities, prior ADC exposure, logistical considerations, and local healthcare resources, may inform individualized treatment selection when both agents are clinically appropriate. Conclusions: In the absence of direct comparative trials, treatment selection between SG and Dato-DXd should not rely on cross-trial efficacy or safety comparisons. The proposed framework separates regulatory and guideline eligibility from drug-specific safety evidence, indirect clinical inference, patient preferences, and healthcare system considerations. It is intended as evidence-informed clinical guidance rather than a validated comparative treatment selection rule and requires prospective evaluation.

CancersVol. 18(19)
Jagiellonian University (PL), University of Opole (PL), National Institute of Oncology (HU), The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (PL), Szpital Uniwersytecki w Krakowie (PL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 17%
Breast Cancer Treatment Studies
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