doxorubicin + lapatinib

Doxorubicin + lapatinib is a combination therapy used primarily in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that acts as a cytotoxic agent by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II activity, leading to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. It also generates reactive oxygen species that contribute to its antitumor effects[2]. Lapatinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) that targets both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1/ERBB1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2/ERBB2), blocking their intracellular phosphorylation domains to prevent downstream signaling involved in tumor cell proliferation[4][6]. The combination has shown efficacy in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have progressed on trastuzumab-based therapies and may be particularly suitable for those at risk of cardiotoxicity or with brain metastases due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier[3].

Brand names

DoxilCaelyx

Other names

pegylated liposomal doxorubicin