Frequently asked questions

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that occurs when cancer cells don't have any estrogen or progesterone hormone receptors and also have little to none of the HER2 protein. The cells test negative on all 3 tests.

The signs and symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer are similar to the symptoms of other types of breast cancer. These can include a lump or mass in the breast, pain in the nipple or breast, and swelling in all or part of the breast. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing.

PD-1 and PD-L1 are proteins found on the surface of certain cells and are part of the body’s natural immune system. They act like an “off switch” that helps keep the immune system from attacking healthy cells. Cancer cells use PD-1 and PD-L1 to hide from the immune system. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapies are designed to block this “off switch,” helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These therapies are approved for certain people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors test positive for PD-L1.

In the clinical trial, “not eligible for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy” meant that this type of treatment was not considered the right treatment option for certain patients based on factors such as the patient’s cancer characteristics, overall health, or medical history. This may have been due to the cancer having low or no PD-L1 expression, which doctors may test for to help decide whether certain treatments are appropriate. It may also have been due to other factors such as the cancer coming back or getting worse after previous PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, certain health conditions, or this type of treatment not being available in certain regions.

DATROWAY is a type of treatment called an antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC. It was approved for adults with triple-negative breast cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and who are not eligible for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. DATROWAY is designed to identify cancer cells that have Trop-2 (pronounced trohp-too), a protein found on the surface of cancer cells. Visit How DATROWAY May Work to learn more.

DATROWAY was approved by the FDA in May 2026 to treat adults with triple-negative breast cancer whose cancer cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and can't be treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.

DATROWAY was studied in a clinical trial. Visit Results With DATROWAY to learn more about the study and its results.

DATROWAY can cause serious side effects, including lung problems that may be severe, life-threatening, or may lead to death, eye problems, mouth ulcers and sores, and harm to your unborn baby. To learn more about these serious side effects as well as common side effects, visit Possible Side Effects. For tips about how to manage certain side effects, visit Managing Side Effects. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing.

There are steps you can take that may help reduce certain side effects. Consult your care team and refer to Managing Side Effects to learn more.

There are also support options to help you access tools to manage side effects, such as recommended eye drops and mouthwash, and a Starter Kit for starting DATROWAY treatment. Visit Savings or ask your doctor to learn more.

DATROWAY is a type of treatment known as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It is designed to identify TNBC cells that have Trop-2 (pronounced trohp-too), a protein found on the surface of cancer cells. DATROWAY is thought to work by finding cancer cells, entering them, and then releasing medicine into them that helps destroy them. Although DATROWAY is designed to target cancer cells, it may also affect some healthy cells. This treatment may not work for everyone. To learn more, visit How DATROWAY May Work.

DATROWAY is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion at your doctor’s office or at your treatment center. Visit Dosing Information to learn more about how DATROWAY is administered.

DATROWAY is given once every 3 weeks (21-day cycle). Visit Dosing Information to learn more.

Before your first infusion, you may be given medicines to help reduce nausea, vomiting, and infusion-related reactions. Visit Dosing Information to learn more about what to expect before your infusion.

Your first IV infusion will take 90 minutes to complete. Once the infusion is finished, your care team will monitor you for at least 1 hour to see if you have any infusion-related reactions. Visit Dosing Information to learn more about what to expect at your first infusion.

If you do not have any infusion-related reactions after your first infusion, future infusions may take 30 minutes. You will be monitored for at least 1 hour after your second infusion and for at least 30 minutes after future infusions. Visit Dosing Information to learn more.

During your infusion, holding ice chips or ice water in your mouth may help with mouth sores. There are also tools available to help you manage side effects before or during your infusions, such as recommended eye drops and mouthwash to use. Visit Managing Side Effects to learn more.

Your doctor may slow down or temporarily stop your infusion of DATROWAY if you have an infusion-related reaction, or permanently stop DATROWAY if you have severe infusion reactions, including severe allergic reactions. If you experience any side effects, notify your care team right away. To learn more, visit Possible Side Effects.

If you miss a planned dose of DATROWAY, call your care team right away to schedule an appointment. Do not wait until the next planned treatment cycle.

DATROWAY4U has programs that may help you access and afford your prescribed DATROWAY treatment, including benefit reviews, prior authorizations, claims appeals, and paying for your prescription. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the DATROWAY Patient Savings Program, which may help with out-of-pocket costs. See the Savings page to learn more.

The Starter Kit includes information about DATROWAY, oral care and eye drop vouchers, and other treatment resources. If you have a prescription for DATROWAY and have not received your kit, talk to your doctor. You can also visit Care Partner Support, Community Support, and the DATROWAY Getting Started Guide for additional resources.

Visit Community Support to explore available advocacy groups—they may provide resources and offer community throughout your treatment journey. Connecting with others going through similar experiences may be helpful for you or your care partner.

Go to Care Partner Support for tips and information that may be helpful as you care for your loved one.