Tykerb, a new treatment against breast cancer

In May 2009, Health Canada has approved the use of TykerbMC, a new type of therapy offered to patients with breast cancer. Here are some basic information about this revolutionary product, which offers them another option in their fight against the disease.

What TykerbMC?
The TykerbMC (lapatinib ditosylate) is a small molecule administered orally in tablet form,earth eternal gold, taken in combination with Xeloda oral chemotherapy.

For whom?
The TykerbMC is available by prescription only. It is prescribed to women with breast cancer type metastatic HER2-positive, having already received other types of treatments against breast cancer, including anthracycline, a taxane, and Herceptin ® (trastuzumab) .

How it works?
The TykerbMC is a molecular inhibitor of a type of enzyme called HER2. The molecule TykerbMC target cancer cells and HER2-positive penetrates to block their response to growth signals. Because cancer cells can receive signals from growth, they stop dividing, thus slowing the progression of the disease.

What are the benefits of TykerbTM?
While TykerbMC works similarly to the Herceptin ®, the major difference is that the TykerbMC work within the HER2-positive cells. TykerbMC and can directly target the gene that produces the HER2, unlike Herceptin ®, which only target the receptor that activates the HER2 gene in the cell surface. Some studies also suggest that the TykerbMC can potentially cross the blood-brain barrier and attack the tumors metastatic to the brain. Another major advantage is that it can be taken in pill form, a less invasive treatment such as Herceptin ® administered intravenously.

What were the results of clinical tests of TykerbMC?
Health Canada has approved the use of medication, based mainly on a study which involved women with advanced breast cancer and HER-2 positive metastatic whose disease had progressed after receiving treatment of anthracycline taxane and Herceptin ®. The study observed the combined effect of TykerbMC and Xeloda ®, compared with the effect of Xeloda ® alone. The results showed that the combined use of TykerbMC and Xeloda ® had slowed the growth of advanced breast cancer type or HER2-positive breast cancer metastatic more significant than the treatment of Xeloda ® alone.

What are the side effects?
Side effects most often reported by patients taking TykerbMC and Xeloda ® are: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, red hands and painful rashes.

Are there other risks associated with taking the TykerbMC?
Some women may develop liver problems taking the TykerbMC. A test should be conducted to verify the condition of the patient’s liver before and during treatment. Heart problems possibly related to the seizure of TykerbMC have also been raised. It is essential that anyone considering the TykerbMC discuss with their doctor the potential side effects.