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Lapatinib-associated toxicity and practical management recommendations
1Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Gillette Center for Women's Cancers, Lawrence House, LRH 304, Boston, MA 02114, USA. bmoy@partners.org
Abstract:
Lapatinib is an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibiting both the ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 receptors. Lapatinib has been shown to have activity in ErbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer in several phase II and III clinical trials. Specifically, lapatinib is effective in patients with metastatic breast cancer, with inflammatory breast cancer, and possibly, with brain metastases. An ongoing clinical trial and another anticipated clinical trial will investigate lapatinib as adjuvant treatment in early-stage disease. Lapatinib has specific toxicities, the most common being diarrhea and rash. Cardiac toxicity is rarely seen with lapatinib. This paper reviews lapatinib-associated toxicities and provides practical management recommendations based on available data.
Insights
Lapatinib effectively treats ErbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer, including metastatic and inflammatory types. This review details lapatinib
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lapatinib is an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting ErbB-1 and ErbB-2.
- Clinical trials demonstrate lapatinib's efficacy in ErbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lapatinib-associated toxicities.
- To provide practical management recommendations for lapatinib toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of phase II and III clinical trial data.
- Analysis of reported adverse events and toxicity profiles.
Main Results:
- Lapatinib shows activity in metastatic, inflammatory, and potentially brain metastatic breast cancer.
- Common toxicities include diarrhea and rash; cardiac toxicity is rare.
Conclusions:
- Lapatinib is a valuable treatment option for specific breast cancer subtypes.
- Understanding and managing lapatinib's toxicity profile is crucial for patient care.
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