Lapatinib in second-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer: rapid clinical benefit and long-term response

Abstract

Lapatinib, an oral dual ErbB1/2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after trastuzumab-based first-line chemotherapy. Moreover, lapatinib has been found to be effective in patients with metastatic brain involvement. Here we report the case of a 55-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer and brain metastasis who achieved rapid symptom improvement and long-term disease control.