HER2-positive breast cancer: combination of Lapatinib, Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel linked to high rate of pathological complete remission
A combination of Lapatinib ( Tyverb, Tykerb ), Trastuzumab ( Herceptin ) and Paclitaxel ( Taxol ) significantly improved tumor response rates than either agent alone among patients with HER2-positive breast cancers, according to data presented at the 33rd Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
Early data have indicated a 50% rate of pathological complete remission compared with 20% for either agent alone.
The study suggests that a dual blockade against HER2 is an efficient way to target HER2-positive breast tumors and that Lapatinib adds to Trastuzumab.
These results are from the NeoALTTO Trial, an international, multicenter, randomized study comparing the efficacy of Lapatinib plus Paclitaxel versus Trastuzumab plus Paclitaxel versus a combination of all three agents as neoadjuvant chemotherapy among 455 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
It has been suggested in basic science research and smaller clinical trials that the combination of these therapies would be more effective than either alone, but this is the first time it has been shown in a large clinical trial setting. ( Xagena )
Source: American Association for Cancer Research ( AACR ), 2010
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