Medical Oncologist
Medicines
Tests and monitoring while you are on sacituzumab govitecan
Sacituzumab govitecan needs close monitoring. A blood count before every infusion decides whether the dose goes ahead, liver and kidney tests check safety, and scans every few months show how the cancer is responding. This page explains each test, when it is usually done and what the results can and cannot tell you.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Naresh GunduConsultant Medical Oncologist · MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
On this page
- Which tests will you have on sacituzumab govitecan, and why?
- What is checked and what it tells your team
- When tests are usually done
- The vocabulary, in plain language
- What tests can and cannot show
- What monitoring looks like on an infusion day
- How scan results guide what happens next
- What people assume about monitoring
- Common questions about tests on sacituzumab govitecan
The short answer
Which tests will you have on sacituzumab govitecan, and why?
Sacituzumab govitecan is given as a drip on day one and day eight of a three-week cycle, and monitoring is built around that rhythm. Before you start, your team checks your general health with blood tests of your blood count, liver and kidney function, and salts such as sodium and potassium. Women who could become pregnant have a pregnancy test. Scans are done to record where the cancer is, so later scans can be compared. Some centres also test for the inherited UGT1A1 enzyme, which affects how fast the chemotherapy part is broken down, though this is not required. During treatment, the most important test is a full blood count before every infusion, because a low white cell count is the most common serious side effect and decides whether that day's dose goes ahead. Liver function and salts are checked regularly, especially if you have had loose motions. You are watched during each drip and for a period afterwards for reactions. To see whether the treatment is working, scans are usually repeated every two to three months, alongside how you feel and sometimes tumour marker blood tests. Together these tests keep you as safe as possible and help your team decide whether to continue, adjust or change treatment.
Blood tests guide each dose
Your white cell count on the day decides whether the drip is given or held.
Scans show the effect on the cancer
They are compared with your starting scan every few months.
How you feel counts too
Symptoms you report are as important as test numbers.
This page gives general information only. Your own schedule may differ.The main tests
What is checked and what it tells your team
Each test answers a different question about safety or response.
Full blood count
Measures white cells, haemoglobin and platelets before each infusion. A low neutrophil count means the dose is usually held.
Done on both day one and day eight.Liver and kidney tests
The drug is broken down in the liver, so liver function is checked before starting and during treatment. Kidney tests help spot dehydration.
Salts and fluids
Sodium, potassium and magnesium can fall after loose motions or vomiting, so they are checked when needed.
Scans
CT, bone or PET-CT scans compare the size and spread of the cancer with earlier images.
Sometimes also
- Tumour marker blood tests
- UGT1A1 gene test
- Pregnancy test
Typical schedule
When tests are usually done
When
Usual tests
Before starting
Blood count, liver, kidney, salts, pregnancy test if relevant, baseline scans
Day one of each cycle
Blood count and often liver tests, plus a check on side effects
Day eight of each cycle
Blood count before the second dose of the cycle
After loose motions or vomiting
Kidney tests and salts to check for dehydration
Every two to three months
Repeat scans to see how the cancer is responding
Words you will hear
The vocabulary, in plain language
- Neutrophil count
- The number of infection-fighting white cells, reported on the blood count.
- Liver function tests
- Blood tests such as bilirubin and liver enzymes that show how the liver is working.
- Creatinine
- A blood test that reflects kidney function and can rise with dehydration.
- Baseline scan
- The scan before treatment that later scans are compared with.
- Stable disease
- The cancer has not grown or shrunk much between scans.
- Progression
- The cancer has grown or spread despite treatment.
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Being straight with you
What tests can and cannot show
Tests are powerful, but they are not perfect, and waiting for results can be stressful.
A single number rarely decides everything
Your team looks at trends over time and how you feel, not just one result.
Scans can be unclear
Sometimes a change on a scan is hard to interpret, and a repeat scan or another test is needed.
Tumour markers are not reliable for everyone
Some cancers do not raise markers, and markers can rise briefly for other reasons.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot interpret your own results. Ask your oncologist to explain what your numbers and scans mean.
On the day
What monitoring looks like on an infusion day
A treatment day often starts with a blood test and ends only after a period of watching. It can be a long day, so plan for it.
Bloods first
Blood is taken, and the team waits for the count before preparing the drug. Some centres take bloods the day before to save time.
A check-in with the team
A nurse or doctor asks about loose motions, fever, sickness, tiredness and any new symptoms since the last dose.
During and after the drip
Your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are checked. The first infusion runs more slowly, and you are watched afterwards for reactions such as chills, itching or breathlessness.
Bring a list
Carry your medicines list and side effect diary so nothing is forgotten.
Understanding results
How scan results guide what happens next
Scan results are usually discussed at your next clinic visit. They fall into a few broad groups.
Shrinking or stable
Treatment usually continues, provided side effects remain manageable.
Mixed results
Some areas shrink while others grow. Your team may repeat a scan sooner or look at your symptoms before deciding.
Clear growth
Your oncologist will talk with you about stopping and moving to another treatment, or about clinical trials.
Commonly believed
What people assume about monitoring
More scans mean better care.
Scans are timed to answer useful questions. Extra scans add radiation and worry without extra benefit.
A Trop-2 test is needed before starting.
No. Trop-2 testing is not required, as most breast cancers carry the protein.
Blood tests show whether the cancer is shrinking.
They mainly check safety. Scans show how the cancer is responding.
A rising tumour marker always means growth.
Markers can rise briefly for other reasons, so scans are used to confirm.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about tests on sacituzumab govitecan
Why do I need a blood test on day eight as well?
Because counts can fall after the day one dose, the team must be sure your white cells have not dropped too far before giving the day eight dose. If the count is too low, that dose is held. It can feel repetitive, but it is one of the most important safety steps.
Can I get my blood test done near home?
Some teams accept results from a trusted local laboratory taken a day before treatment. Ask your oncology team whether this is possible, which tests are needed, and how the results should reach them in time. The decision to give a dose still rests with your treating team.
How often will I have scans?
Commonly every two to three months, though this varies. Scans may be done sooner if you develop new symptoms, such as new pain, breathlessness or headaches. The type of scan depends on where the cancer has spread, and your team will keep using the same type so results can be compared.
What is the UGT1A1 test?
It is a blood test that looks at an inherited gene affecting how quickly your body breaks down the chemotherapy part of the medicine. People with two copies of the slower version may have more severe low counts and loose motions. It is not required, but some oncologists use it to plan closer monitoring.
Will my liver tests change?
Mild changes in liver tests can happen during treatment, and liver problems from the cancer itself can also affect results. Your team checks liver function regularly and may adjust or hold treatment if results change significantly. Tell them about yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
What happens if a scan shows growth?
Your oncologist will discuss the result, often alongside your symptoms and earlier scans. If growth is clear, sacituzumab govitecan is usually stopped and other options are considered. These may include other medicines, radiotherapy for a painful area, clinical trials, or a greater focus on comfort.
Do I need heart tests?
Routine heart scans are not a standard part of monitoring for this medicine, unlike some HER2-targeted treatments. Your team may still check your heart if you have an existing heart condition or develop symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or swelling of the ankles.
How can I cope with waiting for results?
Waiting for scan results is one of the hardest parts of treatment for many people. Ask when and how results will be shared, bring someone with you to the appointment, and plan something calming for the days before. Counsellors and support groups can also help with this worry.
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Talk to our team
Speak to a breast cancer specialist
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Sources
- National Cancer Institute — Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy
- Cancer Research UK — Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy)
- European Medicines Agency — Trodelvy product information
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.