Herceptin, Tykerb, and Heart Damage

Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Tykerb (lapatinib) are drugs that are used to combat HER2 positive breast cancer. A new study from Duke University Medical Center has been comparing the side effects of these two drugs, with a focus on damage to heart muscle cells. About five per cent of patients treated with Herceptin have experienced heart abnormalities caused by the drug, and one out of every ten women cannot take it because of pre-existing heart conditions. Tykerb, while it blocks HER2 as well as Herceptin, is more protective of heart muscles, and has not caused as much cardiovascular damage. Dr Neil Spector, who led the study, said "it would be over-interpreting the study to conclude that women taking trastuzumab should consider any treatment change." More clinical trials will be needed before doctors will have the definitive information on which drugs are best for different breast cancer patients.

• Newer Breast Cancer Drug May Protect Heart, Study Suggests
• HER2/neu and Diagnosis