Lapatinib, along with an aromatase inhibitor (AI), is suggested for the treatment of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, ErbB2 (HER2) over-expressing metastatic breast cancer and for whom chemotherapy is currently not intended.
The EGF30008, registration trial, showed an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients that over expressed ErbB2 when both ErbB2 and HR receptors were targeted with Lapatinib plus Femara (letrozole) (an AI).
The safety profile of Lapatinib was consistent with previously reported results from trials of lapatinib in the metastatic breast cancer population.
GSK’s Lapatinib is already indicated (in combination with Xeloda [capecitebine]) for patients with ErbB2-positive metastatic breast cancer, pretreated with anthracyclines and taxanes, who have progressed following treatment with trastuzumab in the metastatic setting.
Stephen Johnston, professor of breast cancer medicine at Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Cancer Research, said: “Lapatinib plus an AI offers an effective, chemotherapy-free and well-tolerated option for patients with a distinct disease profile.
“As a first line option for these patients it offers a choice to delay the need for more aggressive and toxic therapies, such as chemotherapy. Importantly as an all-oral treatment option it allows patients to take their medication at home, relieving precious hospital resources.”