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![[photo]-Tykerb: A New Treatment for Breast Cancer](http://www.divine.ca/en/upload/articles/97876206599838a5ccb62314015c071f.jpg)
Tykerb: A New Treatment for Breast Cancer
by Martha Li
published October 07, 2009
rating: 
(95 Ratings)
In May 2009, Health Canada approved the use of TykerbTM, a new type of therapy for breast cancer. Here is some basic information about this revolutionary drug that is providing breast cancer patients with another option in their fight against the disease.
What is TykerbTM?
TykerbTM (lapatinib ditosylate) is a small molecule that is administered orally in tablet form, and taken in combination with Xeloda® (capecitabine), an oral chemotherapy.
Who is it for?
TykerbTM is available by prescription only. It is prescribed to women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and who have already received treatment with other breast cancer therapies including an anthracycline, a taxane, and Herceptin® (trastuzumab).
How does it work?
TykerbTM is a molecular inhibitor of a type of enzyme called HER2. The TykerbTM molecule targets HER2-positive cancer cells, enters them, and prevents the cells from responding to growth signals. Since the cancer cells are unable to receive growth signals, they cease to divide, thus halting progression of the disease.
What are the advantages of TykerbTM?
While TykerbTM functions similarly to Herceptin®, the biggest difference is that TykerbTM works from inside the HER2-positive cells. TykerbTM can therefore directly target the gene that produces HER2, whereas Herceptin® is only able to target the receptor that activates the HER2 gene at the cell’s surface. Some studies also suggest that TykerbTM can potentially cross the blood-brain barrier to attack metastatic brain tumors. Another major practical advantage is that unlike Herceptin®, which must be administered intravenously, TykerbTM is taken orally in pill form, making it a much less invasive form of treatment.
What are the clinical trial results of TykerbTM?
Health Canada approved use of the drug based primarily on a study that involved women with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer whose disease had progressed after being treated with anthracyclines, taxanes and Herceptin®. The study observed the effect of treating women with TykerbTM and Xeloda® compared with the effect of Xeloda® alone. The results showed that use of TykerbTM and Xeloda® together slowed the growth of HER2-positive advanced breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer significantly more than treatment with Xeloda® alone.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects reported by patients taking TykerbTM and Xeloda® are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, red, painful hands and feet, and rash.
Are there any other risks associated with taking TykerbTM?
Some women may develop liver damage while taking TykerbTM. A test should therefore be administered to check the liver before and during treatment. There have also been reports of possible heart problems related to taking TykerbTM. It is essential that anyone considering taking TykerbTM speak to their doctor about all potential side effects.
NOTE: The information provided in this article does not cover all possible uses, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. Consult your doctor for more information.
▪ GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (May 26, 2009). “New therapy option for advanced HER2 breast cancer approved in Canada”. Press release. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
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Tag(s):
health, body health, breast health, breast cancer, Tykerb, treatment
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One day, we will beat this. We will find a cure, we are so close now. -
Jenn McNeil
October 15, 2010 at 2:21 pmLearn more about breast cancer at ?Body, Mind, Spirit 2010: National Conference for Young Women Living with Breast Cancer?, October 29 to 31, 2010, Toronto, Hilton Hotel. Conference schedule and online registration forms at www.cbcn.ca (online registration only).
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation invite 400 women to learn about the latest medical research, participate in workshops, and share experiences with guest speakers like Bif Naked who will speak about her two-year battle with breast cancer in "Rock Your Cancer"!
Topics include: a three-part series on BRCA (management options, fertility and psychosocial issues); ?Taking Charge of Your Treatment for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer?; ?Breast Reconstruction: Knowing Your Options?; ?Intimacy and Sexuality? (for couples and single ladies); ?Babies After Breast Cancer?, and ?Financial Health For Women on Long-Term Disability?, and more.
More information: Jenn McNeil, Canadian Breast Cancer Network: 1-800-685-8820 ext. 224, or jmcneil@cbcn.ca.
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Jenn McNeil
October 15, 2010 at 2:37 pmLearn more about breast cancer at Body, Mind, Spirit 2010: National Conference for Young Women Living with Breast Cancer, October 29 to 31, 2010, Toronto, Hilton Hotel. Conference schedule and online registration forms at www.cbcn.ca (online registration only).
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation invite 400 women to learn about the latest medical research, participate in workshops, and share experiences with guest speakers like Bif Naked who will speak about her two-year battle with breast cancer in Rock Your Cancer!
Topics include: a three-part series on BRCA (management options, fertility and psychosocial issues); Taking Charge of Your Treatment for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer; Breast Reconstruction: Knowing Your Options; Intimacy and Sexuality (for couples and single ladies); Babies After Breast Cancer, and Financial Health For Women on Long-Term Disability, and more.
More information: Jenn McNeil, Canadian Breast Cancer Network: 1-800-685-8820 ext. 224, or jmcneil@cbcn.ca.
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ann
November 22, 2010 at 3:00 amNICE POST -
ann
November 22, 2010 at 3:00 amNICE POST
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