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placebo matching lapatinib
Lapatinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks HER2 and EGFR signaling to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Lapatinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks HER2 and EGFR signaling to inhibit cancer cell growth. Used for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer (in combination with capecitabine or letrozole), HER2-positive breast cancer (adjuvant treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | placebo matching lapatinib |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | HER2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Target | HER2, EGFR |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lapatinib irreversibly inhibits the intracellular tyrosine kinases of human epidermal growth factor receptors HER2 and EGFR. By blocking these growth-promoting pathways, it prevents phosphorylation and downstream signaling that drives proliferation in HER2-positive and EGFR-dependent cancers. This dual inhibition makes it effective in breast cancer and other solid tumors dependent on these receptors.
Approved indications
- HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer (in combination with capecitabine or letrozole)
- HER2-positive breast cancer (adjuvant treatment)
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Hand-foot skin reaction
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- Study In Women And Men With Metastatic Breast Cancer That Have Overexpression Of ErbB2 (PHASE3)
- Study Comparing Lapatinib (GW572016) And Letrozole Versus Letrozole In Subjects With Advanced Or Metastatic Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
- A Study in Cancer Patients to Evaluate the Effect of Lapatinib on the QTc Interval (PHASE4)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |