Cancer Australia

Lapatinib (Tykerb^®) is a biological therapy for women with HER2-positive secondary breast cancer. Clinical trials have shown that when given in combination with a chemotherapy drug called capecitabine (Xeloda^®), lapatinib slows the progression of secondary breast cancer.

When is lapatinib recommended?

Lapatinib may be offered to women whose secondary breast cancer has stopped responding to a combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy.

Lapatinib will not benefit women with HER2-negative breast cancer.

What does treatment with lapatinib involve?

Lapatinib is a tablet that is taken every day (usually 5–6 tablets a day). It’s taken with a chemotherapy drug called capecitabine (Xeloda^®).

Side effects of lapatinib

Common side effects of lapatinib include diarrhoea, hand–foot syndrome, anaemia and nausea. Other possible side effects include dyspepsia, liver dysfunction and rash.