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Biomarkers for Lapatinib Therapy in Breast Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted in the United States analyzed biomarkers in breast cancer tissue to optimize the selection of patients for lapatinib therapy. The study involved patients with HER-2-negative and HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer who received paclitaxel and capecitabine with or without lapatinib. The researchers found that HER-2 gene amplification was detected in 47% of patients, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed HER-2 protein expression in 35% of patients. The study concluded that women with HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer benefit from lapatinib, while those with HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer do not derive additional benefit from the therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed biomarkers in breast cancer tissue from two phase III trials: EGF30001 and EGF100151.
  • The trials involved 579 and 399 patients, respectively, with HER-2-negative and HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
  • HER-2 gene amplification was detected in 47% of patients (344 of 733) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed HER-2 protein expression in 35% of patients (279 of 798) with significant correlation (P < 0.001).
  • The study found a significant correlation between HER-2 gene amplification and response to lapatinib therapy.
  • Women with HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer benefit from lapatinib, while those with HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer do not derive additional benefit from the therapy.
  • The study highlights the importance of biomarker analysis in optimizing the selection of patients for lapatinib therapy.

Statistics:

  • 47% of patients had HER-2 gene amplification (344 of 733)
  • HER-2 protein expression was detected in 35% of patients (279 of 798)
  • Significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between HER-2 gene amplification and response to lapatinib therapy
  • 579 patients participated in EGF30001
  • 399 patients participated in EGF100151

Sources:

  • Press, M. F., et al. "HER-2 Gene Amplification, HER-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor mRNA and Protein Expression, and Lapatinib Efficacy in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer." Clinical Cancer Research, vol. 14, no. 23, 2008, pp. 7861-7870.

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