Long-term Survival after Lapatinib Rechallenge in Isolated Brain Metastasis of HER2-positive Breast Cancer

Abstract

Lapatinib is an effective drug in HER2-positive breast cancer. We present a case with successful treatment of lapatinib in brain metastasis of HER2+ breast cancer. Forty-eight years old woman was admitted our clinic with early breast cancer. In third years after adjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab, isolated and multiple brain metastasis were detected. After whole brain RT, lapatinib (with capecitabine for 10 months and with letrozole for 3 months) has been used. Volumetric reduction of lesions was achieved and symptoms disappeared. When lapatinib discontinued, brain metastasis relapses. Lapatinib plus capecitabine reinduction has been started. Totally, longer survival than 45 months was achieved after first brain metastasis detection. Because both combinations of lapatinib with capecitabine and letrozole were effective and reinduction treatment was successful, presented case has strongly supported activity of lapatinib treatment in brain metastasis of HER2+ breast cancer.

Keywords

• lapatinib rechallenge
• isolated brain metastasis
• her2