| March
13, 2007--The
FDA has approved Tykerb (lapatinib) to be used in
combination with capectabine (Xeloda) for patients with
advanced, metastatic breast cancer that is HER2 positive.
The combination treatment is indicated for women who have
received prior therapy with other cancer drugs, including
an anthracycline and trastuzumab (Herceptin).
Tykerb
is a kinase inhibitor that works through multiple pathways
to deprive tumor cells of signals needed to grow. Whereas
trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the part
of the HER2 protein on the outside of the cell, Tykerb is
a small molecule that enters the cell and blocks the
function of this and other proteins. Due to this
difference in mechanism of action, Tykerb works in some
HER2-positive breast cancers that have been treated with
trastuzumab and are no longer benefiting.
Tykerb
will be distributed by GlaxoSmithKline. FDA
News |
