Herceptin Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Herceptin, including details on side-effects, breast cancer, treatment, therapy.

Lapatinib: A Sword With Two Edges.

Kopper L

Ist Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary, kopper@korb1.sote.hu.

Lapatinib is an oral dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting EGFR1 and EGFR2 (HER2). Phase I trials have shown that lapatinib is well tolerated, with mild diarrhea and skin rush as common adverse effects, and low cardiotoxicity. Phase II and III trials provided evidences on clinical effectiveness in advanced or metastatic breast cancer and potential against brain metastases. Lapatinib is active in combination with trastuzumab and in trastuzumab-resistant patients, moreover it has synergistic action with capecitabine. Several clinical trials are in progress to explore the effectiveness of lapatinib in other combinations and against several tumor types.

Published 14 April 2008 in Pathol Oncol Res.
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