Lapatinib is an anti-cancer drug used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors overexpress the human epidermal receptor type 2 (HER2) protein and have received prior therapy. It was approved by the FDA in 2007. This molecule is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2/ERBB2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR/ERBB1). It acts by binding to the phosphorylation domain of the receptors, thus preventing the autophosphorylation when the ligand binds them. This inhibition results in the suppression of the cell growth signaling pathways. This drug is administered as an oral tablet.

Lapatinib Pathway References