Adverse Effects of Lapatinib as Adjuvant Therapy in Woman with HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer: A Narative Review

Alifyani Pramesti Syamsul, Cherry Rahayu, Ivan Surya Pradipta, Sofa Dewi Alfian

Abstract


HER-2 positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype associated with a poorer prognosis due to the overexpression of the HER-2 receptor. Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting HER-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is widely used in therapy; however, it is associated with potential adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effect profile of lapatinib in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer. This study employed a narrative review approach by conducting a literature search in PubMed over the past 10 years. A total of 20 articles were initially identified, and after applying selection criteria, 12 articles were included and analyzed descriptively. The results indicate that the most commonly reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal toxicities, particularly diarrhea, with an incidence ranging from 70% to 89%. Other adverse effects include nausea and vomiting (30–50%), as well as skin rash. Hematological adverse effects are relatively uncommon and are generally associated with combination therapy, whereas cardiovascular effects such as decreased left ventricular function are reported at a lower incidence (<10%) and are typically reversible. In conclusion, lapatinib demonstrates a predictable and generally manageable adverse effect profile. Regular monitoring of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac function, is essential to ensure treatment safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords


Lapatinib; Adverse Effects; HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer; Targeted Therapy

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37311/jsscr.v8i3.32895

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