Last reviewed · How we verify
epirubicin - cyclophosphamide / docetaxel + lapatinib
Epirubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA strands, inhibiting topoisomerase II and inducing apoptosis. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, causing cell death. Docetaxel is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules, preventing cell division. Lapatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the HER2 and EGFR receptors.
Epirubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA strands, inhibiting topoisomerase II and inducing apoptosis. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, causing cell death. Docetaxel is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules, preventing cell division. Lapatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the HER2 and EGFR receptors. Used for Advanced or metastatic breast cancer, Adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | epirubicin - cyclophosphamide / docetaxel + lapatinib |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | GBG Forschungs GmbH |
| Drug class | anthracycline antibiotic, alkylating agent, taxane, tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Target | topoisomerase II, DNA, microtubules, HER2, EGFR |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel work synergistically to induce apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Lapatinib targets the HER2 and EGFR receptors, which are often overexpressed in certain types of cancer, further inhibiting tumor growth.
Approved indications
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer
- Adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Key clinical trials
- Trastuzumab Versus Lapatinib as Neoadjuvant Treatment for Her2+ Patients (PHASE2)
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Lapatinib vs Herceptin (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Bevacizumab, Everolimus (RAD001), and Lapatinib as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimes for Primary Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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