Yes, there are affordable alternatives to Kadcyla, an expensive cancer drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer. According to DrugPatentWatch.com [1], Kadcyla's patent expired in the United States in December 2020, which may lead to the introduction of more affordable generic versions of the drug.

One such alternative is trastuzumab emtansine, the active ingredient in Kadcyla. Trastuzumab emtansine is a combination of trastuzumab (Herceptin) and emtansine (DM1), a chemotherapy drug. This combination targets HER2-positive cancer cells and delivers the chemotherapy directly to these cells, potentially reducing damage to healthy cells.

Another alternative is the use of biosimilars for trastuzumab. Biosimilars are essentially generic versions of biologic drugs, such as trastuzumab. They are designed to have similar safety, purity, and potency as the original biologic drug. Biosimilars are typically less expensive than the original biologic drug, making them a more affordable option for patients.

It is important to note that while these alternatives may be more affordable, they may not be covered by insurance or may have different efficacy and side effects compared to Kadcyla. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best treatment options for their specific situation.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com, "Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) - Patent Expiration & Generics," <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/kadcyla-ado-trastuzumab-emtansine/>.