lapatinib + trastuzumab

Lapatinib + trastuzumab is a combination therapy used primarily for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Lapatinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the intracellular domains of both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1/ERBB1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2), thereby inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation and survival. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular domain of HER2, blocking its activity and mediating immune-dependent cytotoxicity. The combination provides dual blockade of HER2 signaling—lapatinib acts intracellularly while trastuzumab acts extracellularly—which has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone in both metastatic and neoadjuvant settings for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. This synergy results from complementary mechanisms including enhanced apoptosis, downregulation of survivin protein, inhibition of signal transduction pathways (PI3K/Akt and ras/raf/MAPK), and increased immune-mediated cytotoxicity[1][6][2].

Brand names

HerceptinTykerb

Other names

trastuzumab and lapatiniblapatinib and trastuzumabSHIVA trial trastuzumab regimen